Vijai Sardesai, a prominent Goan politician and the president of the Goa Forward Party (GFP), has emerged as a steadfast advocate for the preservation and promotion of Goan identity, culture, and values—collectively encapsulated in the terms Goy (Goa), Goykar (Goans), and Goykarpon (Goan identity or “Goanness”). Through his political journey, Sardesai has made significant contributions to safeguarding the essence of Goa, addressing socio-economic challenges, and amplifying the voice of Goans both locally and globally.
This article explores his unique contributions to the ethos of Goykarpon and his efforts to protect Goa’s cultural, environmental, and political landscape.
Understanding Goy, Goykar, and Goykarpon
Before delving into Sardesai’s contributions, it is essential to understand the concepts of Goy, Goykar, and Goykarpon:
Goy: Refers to the land of Goa itself, a state known for its unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and syncretic traditions.
Goykar: Denotes the people of Goa, who embody a distinct identity shaped by centuries of cultural amalgamation, communal harmony, and a deep connection to their land.
Goykarpon: Translates to “Goanness,” a term that encapsulates the values, heritage, and way of life that define Goans. It is the soul of Goa, encompassing its inclusivity, environmental consciousness, and cultural pride.
Sardesai has consistently used Goykarpon as a rallying cry to unite Goans in protecting their homeland from external threats, whether they be cultural erosion, environmental degradation, or political marginalization.
Vijai Sardesai’s Political Journey and Commitment to Goykarpon
Born on June 14, 1970, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to an entomologist father who worked with the United Nations, Vijai Sardesai’s roots in Goa run deep. An agriculture graduate from Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Sardesai’s early career in student politics at Goa University laid the foundation for his fierce advocacy for Goan causes. His political career began with the Indian National Congress, where he served as the President of the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress and a councillor of the Margao Municipal Council. However, after being denied a Congress ticket for the 2012 Goa Legislative Assembly election, Sardesai ran as an independent from Fatorda and won, showcasing his grassroots support and political acumen.
In 2016, he founded the Goa Forward Party, a regional political outfit dedicated to protecting Goykarpon and prioritizing Goan interests. The party’s success in the 2017 assembly elections, securing three seats, underscored Sardesai’s influence and his ability to resonate with Goans seeking a regional voice. His decision to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government under Manohar Parrikar in 2017, despite his earlier anti-BJP stance, was framed as a pragmatic move to ensure stability and development while acting as a “watchdog of Goykarpon” within the government.
Key Contributions to Goy, Goykar, and Goykarpon
Sardesai’s contributions to Goa’s identity and welfare are multifaceted, spanning cultural preservation, environmental advocacy, legislative reforms, and socio-political empowerment.
Below are some of his notable efforts:
1. Safeguarding Goan Identity and Culture
Sardesai has been a vocal proponent of preserving Goykarpon, emphasizing the need to protect Goa’s unique cultural fabric from external influences. In April 2024, speaking at the Easter Ball organized by the United Goans Affiliation UK in London, he urged the Goan diaspora to unite in preserving Goykarpon for future generations. He highlighted the threat of cultural erosion due to external influences and stressed that Goykarpon is not just an identity but a set of values fostering harmony among Goa’s diverse communities. His felicitation as Goencho Rakhondar (Guardian of Goa) at this event reflects his global recognition as a defender of Goan heritage.Sardesai’s advocacy for Goykarpon also manifests in his critique of policies that undermine Goa’s cultural ethos. For instance, he has consistently opposed decisions that prioritize commercial interests over Goan values, such as the expansion of coal transportation hubs or unchecked tourism practices that disrespect local traditions
.2. Environmental Advocacy
Goa’s natural beauty is integral to its identity, and Sardesai has been a staunch defender of its environment. He has raised concerns about issues like the felling of trees, flooding of agricultural fields due to poor infrastructure, and the mismanagement of projects like the Smart City Mission in Panaji, which he criticized for corruption and negligence.One of his significant interventions was his call to halt the development of Mormugao Port as a coal transportation hub, advocating instead for its transformation into a tourism port to leverage Goa’s potential as a global cruise destination. This stance aligns with his vision of a “clean, green, and smart Goa” that prioritizes sustainable development over exploitative industrialization.Sardesai has also demanded structural audits of heritage structures, such as after the collapse of the Kala Academy auditorium slab, to protect Goa’s cultural landmarks. His proactive approach to environmental and cultural preservation underscores his commitment to maintaining the ecological and aesthetic integrity of Goy.
3. Legislative and Policy Initiatives
As a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Fatorda, Sardesai has been an active voice in the Goa Legislative Assembly, raising motions, resolutions, and zero-hour mentions that address the concerns of Goykars. Some of his notable legislative contributions include:
a) Regularization of Homes under the Twenty Point Programme: Sardesai proposed an ordinance to facilitate the regularization of homes built under this program, particularly for marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Economically Weaker Sections. He cited a Supreme Court judgment to argue against the demolition of structures with minor technical deviations, emphasizing social justice and poverty alleviation.
b) Internship Programs for Law Students: To improve the functioning of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Sardesai suggested internship programs for students of law, sociology, and political science, fostering greater public engagement with governance..
Advocacy for Local Employment:
In 2024, Sardesai submitted a notice to introduce the “Goa State Employment of Local Candidates Bill, 2024” to prioritize job opportunities for Goans, accusing the state government of blocking local talent. This move reflects his commitment to empowering Goykars economically.Protection of Farmers: Sardesai has drawn attention to the plight of farmers affected by flooding due to poor infrastructure, urging government action to support agricultural communities.These initiatives demonstrate his focus on practical governance that uplifts Goykars while preserving the spirit of Goykarpon.
4. Political Empowerment and Regional Advocacy
Sardesai’s formation of the Goa Forward Party was a bold step toward creating a regional political entity that prioritizes Goan interests over national party agendas. His party’s narrative of Goykarpon has resonated with voters, as evidenced by its 100% success rate in the 2017 elections, winning all three contested seats.Despite criticism for aligning with the BJP in 2017, Sardesai justified his decision as a strategic move to ensure Goan representation in governance. His subsequent withdrawal from the BJP-led alliance in 2019, citing “anti-Goan policies,” reaffirmed his commitment to Goykarpon over political opportunism.Sardesai has also been a vocal critic of national parties like the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for failing to prioritize Goan interests. His push for a united opposition against the BJP in the 2022 elections, including a brief alliance with Congress, was aimed at amplifying regional voices.
5. Social and Community Engagement
Sardesai’s grassroots connect is evident in his efforts to engage with diverse communities. In 2021, he inducted 345 youth from the Scheduled Tribe community into the GFP, emphasizing inclusivity and empowerment. His leadership in the Margao Municipal Council elections and his role in student politics earlier in his career highlight his ability to mobilize Goykars for collective action.He has also championed causes like the welfare of National Games 2023 volunteers and medal winners, addressing delays in their payments, and raised concerns about the NEET examination process, reflecting his commitment to the aspirations of Goan youth.
Controversies and Challenges
Sardesai’s outspoken nature and strategic political maneuvers have not been without controversy. His 2017 alliance with the BJP, despite his campaign’s anti-BJP stance, drew criticism from supporters and led to the resignation of GFP president Prabhakar Timble. His remarks in 2018 calling some domestic tourists “scum of the earth” sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of undermining Goa’s inclusive ethos. However, Sardesai clarified that his comments targeted tourists who disrespected Goa’s culture and environment, reinforcing his commitment to a “clean and green” Goa.Additionally, his ambitious plans, such as the Greater Panaji Planning and Development Authority (GPPDA), faced public backlash due to concerns over land conversions and corruption, forcing him to scale back certain initiatives. These challenges highlight the complexities of balancing development with the preservation of Goykarpon.
The Legacy of Vijai Sardesa
iVijai Sardesai’s contributions to Goy, Goykar, and Goykarpon are rooted in his unwavering dedication to Goa’s unique identity and the welfare of its people. His ability to combine grassroots activism with legislative advocacy, coupled with his vision for a sustainable and inclusive Goa, sets him apart as a leader who embodies the spirit of Goykarpon.
Whether through his environmental campaigns, legislative reforms, or efforts to empower local communities, Sardesai has consistently positioned himself as Goencho Rakhondar.As Goa faces increasing pressures from tourism, industrialization, and cultural shifts, Sardesai’s call to preserve Goykarpon resonates strongly. His work serves as a reminder that Goykarpon is not just a nostalgic ideal but a living, breathing ethos that requires active protection and promotion.
By uniting Goykars and the Goan diaspora, Sardesai continues to shape a future where Goa’s identity remains vibrant and uncompromised.In the words of Sardesai himself, “There is a critical need to protect ‘Goemkarponn’—the essence of being Goan—which is not merely an identity, but a set of values that form the bedrock of Goa’s syncretic culture.” His journey as a politician and advocate ensures that Goy, Goykar, and Goykarpon remain at the heart of Goa’s narrative, inspiring future generations to cherish and defend their homeland.
