Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
from special correspondent
Panaji, Aug 17: Internationally-renowned pop artiste and music-writer Remo Fernandes has written an open letter to the state government in response to its notification announcing a state award meant to be presented to him at a public function on August 18. He has therein declined the award stating specific reasons for doing so. The full text of his letter, addressed to the director, art and cultute, Shrama Shakti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, is as follows:
quote
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your letters dated 22nd July and 3rd August 2007 informing me that the Goa Government has ‘considered my achievement and contribution in the Cultural field at national level and has decided to felicitate me by presenting State Reward under the scheme “State Reward to the recipient of National and International Award”’, and for informing me that the reward consists of memento, shawl, citation and cash reward of Rs. 50,000.
On a personal level, I am extremely grateful to Mr Digambar Kamat and the others who proposed and approved my name for this reward. However, as a son of Goa, I’m afraid I have the following to say.
1. I refuse this state award or reward as a sign of protest against the Government of Goa as well as the Opposition, which are both full of ministers and politicians who were involved in the large-scale attempted rape and sale of Goa through the infamous Regional Plan 2011, either actively or through their inaction; in protest against the Goa Government’s and the Opposition’s blatant corruption, communalism, their failure to curb and control garbage and plastic, traffic chaos, excessive immigration and construction, destruction of Goan nature and beauty, and their continued failure to provide us our two most basic needs and rights: good quality health and education.
2.I had the privilege of receiving the Padma Shri Award from the hands of President Abdul Kalam, one of the most honest, upright, wise, qualified and dignified gentlemen in India. After him, receiving a reward from the Government of Goa, whose sadly incapable and largely uneducated ministers are nothing but lowly criminals, thieves, forgers and turn-coats on sale who in reality belong in Central Jail, would be an insult to Mr Kalam, to the Padmashri Award itself, as well as to me.
3. I cannot understand the logic behind the Government of Goa [whichever the party in power] not ever recognizing or even acknowledging a Goan’s achievements at state level, and then rewarding him when he gains recognition at national level. This tardy, awkward attempt is akin to conferring a kindergarten certificate on someone who has already obtained a PhD.
I request you to kindly donate my cash reward of Rs. 50,000/- to the “Goa Bachchao Andolan”, as a contribution towards their valiant fight to save Goa from the Government of Goa.
Sincerely
Remo Fernandes
Unquote
The letter is dated August 17, 2007 and its copy was immediately made available to daijiworld correspondent in Panaji.