Click to play videoGoa: It's the 50th anniversary of Goa's liberation from the Portuguese rule. But there may be little reason to celebrate because of rampant corruption, in particular the big mining scam.
On December 19, 1961, Goa woke up to the sounds of freedom. Operation Vijay that lasted less than 48 hours overthrew the last vestige of colonial power on the subcontinent.
Half a century later, the Goan is doing what he does best, not everybody though is convinced that there's much to celebrate.
Singer Remo Fernandes said, "We were known as fun loving. You see less of that. I think the fault lay with politicians."
In recent times, Goa has plumbed the depths of corruption. Mining today defines the political economy of the state.
A spike in demand for low grade iron-ore resulted in a surge in illegal mining. Of the 55 million tonnes of ore exported last year, 35 million was extracted illegally.
Local activists though have met with success in the past. In 2007, the Goa government was forced to abandon the regional plan, that would have allowed large scale sale of land for construction with disastrous environmental consequences.
As the tourist paradise looks to reconcile with the aspirations of the young state, the only prayer the Goan has is that the sun does not set on his happy enclave.
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