History puts human experience in context, and allows us to understand ourselves as a people and an evolving culture. It gives us a frame of reference to consider the possible future(s) ahead of us. It helps us understand past triumphs and tragedies, and gives us the tools to try and succeed where others have failed. It helps us appreciate the things around us more, such as ancient buildings,institutions and culture. It is history that makes us realize that the whole world lost several years of innovation because of dark periods of war.
Our country has suffered several invasions, most of them being violent with intentions ranging from gaining control over the world's trade to the spread of religion. Portuguese were promised a trade monopoly over newly discovered regions if they succeeded in propagating the Christian faith. This led Portuguese invaders to impose Christianity on every region they conquered and if met with resistance, applied brutal force. Several lives were lost in the clash of religions. Laws were made so that local traditions would be banned and government jobs would be strictly given to Christians. People were left with no choice other than to get converted. Ironically, Jesus Christ had spread the message of love. Several books written by eminent historians, as well as internet links have elaborately described this commonly known fact.
Goan freedom fighters fought for liberation regardless of their religion aided by several revolutionary organizations in the country. Our younger generations who have not experienced the intense patriotic atmosphere of the freedom struggle need to be made aware of it so that they do not take our independence for granted. Knowledge of the freedom struggle makes us appreciate their sacrifices and strengthens the idea that we need to live up to their expectations.
When someone teaches the history of a freedom struggle, it is imperative to also teach the very reason behind it. The background of the movement and the circumstances under which it was ignited is important. There have been times when Goans have believed in an irrational fear when the past is put in front of them mistaking it to be an attempt to ignite communal tension.
The spread of Christianity has been known through oral tradition, from parents to children over several decades. Nobody opposed this transfer of knowledge across generations. History is behind us and cannot be changed.
Racism was a common problem in the US as well as South Africa, as late as 1950s. People soon realized that such differences are meaningless. However, these countries do not hide their dark past. We also know of the devastation of 2 Japanese cities by atom bombs, which is why we have debates and regulations centered around the misuse of nuclear technology. Even science text books refer to the penalties imposed by the Church on some of the world's greatest scientists like Galileo. But these are things of the past. We cannot despise the Church for events of centuries ago. Examples of past mistakes are infinite and not restricted to any single religion. But they help in making us aware of the adverse effects on society.
Nobody opposes the references carried in our history textbooks to the horrible practice of Sati. Cultural evolution and improved attitude of the society got the practice abolished. We do not oppose TV channels which show images of bomb blasts conducted by Islamic terrorists. After several years of watching movies and TV serials that show ruthlessness committed by the British towards Indians have we boycotted the United Kingdom?
It does not make sense when one says that Goa's communal harmony will be disturbed if Goa's true past is presented to Goans. It was the Portuguese who committed the atrocities against Goa. These are not atrocities by one Goan community against another. So no Goan community needs to bear any hatred against another. We Goans have always exchanged sweets during Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthi. These gestures maintain our social fabric which has been sustained so far.
Some Goans have failed to recognize this aspect and have misunderstood the whole concept of history. They fear that knowledge of the past will corrupt the minds of the young generation, not realizing that average Goan youth are smart enough not to let a 500-year old invasion disturb our long-held communal peace. When a number of such people talk against it, the misunderstanding spreads, as others get influenced into thinking that they are right.
Goa's history serves as an example of a social revolution that is caused when people are banned from following their cultural traditions and following their faith. Its importance is in it's educational value for our lives today, not in regret, resentment, or revenge.
Our country has suffered several invasions, most of them being violent with intentions ranging from gaining control over the world's trade to the spread of religion. Portuguese were promised a trade monopoly over newly discovered regions if they succeeded in propagating the Christian faith. This led Portuguese invaders to impose Christianity on every region they conquered and if met with resistance, applied brutal force. Several lives were lost in the clash of religions. Laws were made so that local traditions would be banned and government jobs would be strictly given to Christians. People were left with no choice other than to get converted. Ironically, Jesus Christ had spread the message of love. Several books written by eminent historians, as well as internet links have elaborately described this commonly known fact.
Goan freedom fighters fought for liberation regardless of their religion aided by several revolutionary organizations in the country. Our younger generations who have not experienced the intense patriotic atmosphere of the freedom struggle need to be made aware of it so that they do not take our independence for granted. Knowledge of the freedom struggle makes us appreciate their sacrifices and strengthens the idea that we need to live up to their expectations.
When someone teaches the history of a freedom struggle, it is imperative to also teach the very reason behind it. The background of the movement and the circumstances under which it was ignited is important. There have been times when Goans have believed in an irrational fear when the past is put in front of them mistaking it to be an attempt to ignite communal tension.
The spread of Christianity has been known through oral tradition, from parents to children over several decades. Nobody opposed this transfer of knowledge across generations. History is behind us and cannot be changed.
Racism was a common problem in the US as well as South Africa, as late as 1950s. People soon realized that such differences are meaningless. However, these countries do not hide their dark past. We also know of the devastation of 2 Japanese cities by atom bombs, which is why we have debates and regulations centered around the misuse of nuclear technology. Even science text books refer to the penalties imposed by the Church on some of the world's greatest scientists like Galileo. But these are things of the past. We cannot despise the Church for events of centuries ago. Examples of past mistakes are infinite and not restricted to any single religion. But they help in making us aware of the adverse effects on society.
Nobody opposes the references carried in our history textbooks to the horrible practice of Sati. Cultural evolution and improved attitude of the society got the practice abolished. We do not oppose TV channels which show images of bomb blasts conducted by Islamic terrorists. After several years of watching movies and TV serials that show ruthlessness committed by the British towards Indians have we boycotted the United Kingdom?
It does not make sense when one says that Goa's communal harmony will be disturbed if Goa's true past is presented to Goans. It was the Portuguese who committed the atrocities against Goa. These are not atrocities by one Goan community against another. So no Goan community needs to bear any hatred against another. We Goans have always exchanged sweets during Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthi. These gestures maintain our social fabric which has been sustained so far.
Some Goans have failed to recognize this aspect and have misunderstood the whole concept of history. They fear that knowledge of the past will corrupt the minds of the young generation, not realizing that average Goan youth are smart enough not to let a 500-year old invasion disturb our long-held communal peace. When a number of such people talk against it, the misunderstanding spreads, as others get influenced into thinking that they are right.
Goa's history serves as an example of a social revolution that is caused when people are banned from following their cultural traditions and following their faith. Its importance is in it's educational value for our lives today, not in regret, resentment, or revenge.
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