Remo refuses award to protest against politics

In a bid to protest against the notorious Goan politicians, internationally acclaimed pop singer and musician Remo Fernandes on Friday refused to accept an award from the Goa government.

After receiving intimations from the state government about the award to honour him under a scheme by the art and culture department to recognise recipients of national and international awards, Remo wrote an open letter to the state government.

"I refuse this state award or reward as a sign of protest against the Goa government as well as the opposition, both full of ministers and politicians involved in large-scale attempted rape and sale of Goa through the infamous Regional Plan 2011, either actively or through their inaction," says the versatile singer in his letter.

Remo, who was never given any awards by the Goa government, was awarded the Padma Shri in January this year and subsequently, the state government decided to honour him with the state award at a function scheduled on August 18.

The letter adds, "I cannot understand the logic behind the Goa government (whichever the party in power) not ever recognizing or even acknowledging a Goan's achievements at state level, and then rewarding him when he gains recognition at national level. This tardy, awkward attempt is akin to conferring a kindergarten certificate on someone who has already obtained a PhD."

Remo said his decision was also aimed at protesting the blatant corruption and communalism in the government and opposition as well as their failure to curb and control garbage and plastic, traffic chaos, excessive immigration and construction, destruction of Goan nature and beauty.

"The politicians have miserably failed to provide us our two most basic needs and rights: good quality health and education," he criticized.

Remo, however, thanked the state government and Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, who proposed and approved his name for the award.