The book is scheduled for release on dec.7th 2010.
ISBN 978-93-80739-06-9
Author Mr.Valmiki Falerio
Publisher Goa 1556
Very interesting presented well researched book on Goans and their contribution to India’s defence service.
The excellent foreword by General S.F. Rodrigues the former chief of the army brings about the strength and weakness in our national systems. The impact of the WOGS (western oriental Gentlemen) created by the British Raj and a need to re-invent ourselves.
The prologue with the inspirations for the book, his childhood in the army, the subtle askance in the post liberation Goa arena.
Through the articles published he has the courage to face short comings and point our errors. He has economically and very precisely wielded the scalpel to carve the defense case for the Goans in the Indian Defence services both Hindu and Catholic.
He points out the unfair and legal thievery of the lands and homes of the Goans in the defence services.
His observations like the need to get a govt.sanction to come home to Goan be it for an occasion or a holiday could have partially brought about the exclusion trend is an eye opener.
Challenges faced during writing like inability to get the names and ranks through a single source, the lack of honouring of her Martyred sons by Goa and her media are some grouses.
The article by Sqd.Ldr.George Menezes called Dishonouring our soldier beautifully deals with the attitude of the civilians to defence personal; the hurt overshoots the anger in the article.
Lawyer-activist-writer-politician Radharao Gracias looks at Patriotism vs. Chauvinism he is very candid about our being slaves for nearly 2000 years. (His article inspires an entire blog if not a book, so I shall stop it here)
The final dessert is the serving of a light hearted thriller like experience of Capt. Jimmy Martins a tale of two violins.
A very good read, wish a lot of the younger generation could read this.
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