Goa, Jan. 17 -- Even as Goa celebrated the 54th Anniversary of the historic 'Opinion Poll', which remains the only referendum held in independent India, there appears to be a general consensus that the Goan Identity is diluted to such an extent that it cannot even be seen. Interestingly while some blame the politicians for this deterioration there are others who hold Goans themselves responsible for the present situation.

Auda Viegas, a social activist taking up women and child issues asked, "where is the Goan identity"; and answered "my fields have been filled up to construct buildings, my beautiful hills have been cut to erect concrete structures and my sobit, sundor Goa has been destroyed in the name of development."

She lamented tha...