The victim who wasn't

Amidst all the hullabaloo that has surrounded the Tejpal scandal, there is a victim not so obvious. Oblivious to all those who are discussing the controversy, there is a State, and a segment of its residents who have lost out on one of the premier thought provoking fests that was easily accessible to them. The loss of an idea extravaganza that many looked forward to every November.

What has happened is definitely saddening and calls for deserving punishment. This incident has become a perfect example of how one man’s uncontrollable lust has jeopardized the present and future of many associated with him directly or indirectly. A young journalist has been caught in a scandalous storm at the beginning of her career. An extremely capable Journalist and anchor has lost her credibility built over years. A magazine has lost its talented pool of people. A family has earned a bad name. And a state has lost one of its premier fests. A lot of Goans in particular have lost the chance to be able to annually witness a weekend full of ideas, issues and matter worth THINKING about!

The first edition of THINKfest allowed free walk-in entry to everyone. As a student back then, my friends and I attended the event out of curiosity. Being able to listen in person to an impressive line-up of speakers- personalities who were the glitterati of their respective fields felt like the golden opportunity. And true to its promise, the event was an extremely enriching, informative eye-opener. From the real life encounters of Naxal victims to courageous women leading revolutionary initiatives in Afghanistan; from debating about corruption issues to understanding the India Inc’s problems with Government policies- all this from the horse’s mouth. These were real people discussing real issues in extremely well moderated sessions that were an intellectual treat!

Goan locals, especially the youth were the major beneficiaries of this festival. With just one edition, a lot of people got hooked on to the fest; eagerly looking forward to the festival every year. Even the modest registration charges of Rs.1000 imposed this year did not deter the enthusiasm and spirit of the patrons who attended the festival in large numbers, even altering plans so as to be present in Goa during the Nov 8 to 10^th weekend.

Common man would easily identify Goa with just fun festivals like Carnival ,the  International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and SUNBURN(the EDM Meccah). And then associate with it all the drugs, booze and babes. The partial Russian invasion of Goa’s tourist populated northern coastline is no secret. The recent Nigerian row also invited a lot of flak to the State’s image. All these negative issues have been highlighted and hyped and thus come to one’s mind easily. And it is extremely difficult to break this mold. However THINKfest was a good chance and a platform to do that.

THINKfest generated the positive image for Goa, albeit to a small extent, that was a refreshing change from its stereotyped Sun, Sea & Sand image. The GOA that has been portrayed through films has mostly been a misnomer.  If anything, the notion that people carry about Goa and its people is misleading. And as a local, it hurts. Countless futile attempts are constantly made by the youth to send across the correct image- however the required scale and magnitude demands a herculean effort that had not been possible so far. Prior to THINKfest Goa has been hosting the annual DD Kosambi Festival of Ideas, which is fairly popular and a quality event. However the sheer magnitude at which THINKfest was organized helped the message reach an International audience. Alas! The fest is now just a matter of the past.

Well I hope the courageous journalist gets justice. And I sincerely hope the careers of all professionals associated with Tehelka do not suffer long term damage. I hope this incident will instill enough fear in the minds of men in authority and prove as a deterrent for their evil animal instincts. I hope people taking moral high ground truly understand, appreciate and imbibe the meaning of “Practice before you Preach”. As for me and other enthusiasts of THINKfest, I hope a similar festival comes up, I hope there is something new that will captivate our minds for a few days in a year!