On June 13, a few like-minded people came together braving the rains to listen to Hartman de Souza’s talk which was based on his book, ‘Eat Dust: Mining and Greed in Goa’ at Broadway Book Centre in Panaji.
Journalist and theatre personality, Hartman in his introductory address said that it was not an easy book to write. This book is a personal account of the author regarding the mining scenario in Goa and how it is affecting the ecology, water bodies and culture.
He said when he was writing this book he wanted to target the youth who are in the age group of 17 to 30 years. “But now I have reduced this age group to 17 to 27 years,” said Hartman. He said that his book is speaking about the other side of Goa.
This book which laments about ecological disaster and in turn the greed of the people, is more of a personal anguish as Hartmen’s family owns a farm in Caurem, Quepem, which is affected by mining activity.
Hartmen writes about the beauty of this place and how the aquifers that contained fossil water are now all lost due to mining.
He however, is not happy in terming himself as an activist. “I am not an activist. I am a concerned citizen; a concerned Goan. You cannot separate your personal life from politics. This book is personal and unflinchingly political,” said Hartman.
Speaking about Goan community he grieved over the fact that Goans are happy to sell their land and do not come forward to fight for a cause, especially the younger generation.
“Goan society is conformist by nature. More Goans need to learn how not to sit on fence. An awareness is needed. Most of the time, Goans who are living in one part of Goa are unaware about what’s happening in other parts of the state. Goans need to travel within Goa to know what’s happening. Mining doesn’t take place only in Bicholim where in Shirgao water tables have turned dry as the mining companies have dug up 37 meters below sea level,” said Hartman.
He also stated that more than legal procedure he believes in people’s power and is of the opinion that change happens when people come out and agitate.
He concluded by giving examples of various protests happening in the state like people of Sanguem protesting against beer factory or the villagers of Chapora who are opposing the multipurpose project and Terekhol opposing the golf course and hotel project.
The event also included a performance by Space Theatre Ensemble. The performance was based on a poem ‘Paikdev Curses’ which is part of the book.
While further speaking about the book he informed that he is in the process of translating it in Malayalam, Tamil and in Marathi as many people from different states could relate to this ecological disaster. He also shared that he has enough material for his next book which will be based on Goa’s history, culture and water.
This event was organized by Goa Book Club.
(Source: navhindtimes.in)