Padma Shri-recipient Remo Fernandes refused an award from the Goa
government recently to protest against the "loot" of the state by its
ministers, Opposition leaders and other politicians. The award,
instituted by the state's art and culture department under a scheme to
recognize recipients of national and international awards, comprises a
memento, a citation, a shawl and Rs 50,000 in cash. Remo was honoured
with the Padma Shri in January.
"I refuse this state award or reward as a mark of protest against the
government of Goa, as well as the Opposition, both full of ministers
and politicians involved in large-scale attempted rape and sale of Goa
through the infamous Regional Plan 2011, either actively or through
their inaction," the singer said in an open letter to the art and
culture department. The acclaimed musician accused Goa's politicians of
"unashamed corruption and communalism". His other peeves were the
authorities' failure to curb and control garbage and plastic wastes,
traffic chaos, excessive immigration and construction, and destruction
of the environment. Remo criticized the leaders for "their continued
failure to provide us our two most basic needs and rights: good quality
health and education". He, however, thanked the state government and
Chief Minister Digamber Kamat for proposing and approving his name for
the award. Hope the politicians learn a lesson from Remo's protest.
-(SAMPURN)
Copyright Sampurn
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