Goa: Calling on young people to shed fear and indifference, Yuri Alemão, Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly, urged the youth to take an active role in public life, stressing that civic engagement is both a moral duty and a social responsibility. He encouraged young citizens to speak out, question authority and participate meaningfully in democratic processes rather than remaining silent observers.
Alemão was addressing the Second National Fransalian Youth Conference, being held at the Pilar Pilgrims Centre from January 30 to February 1. Speaking on the theme “The Role of Youth in Politics and Social Development,” he challenged participants to move beyond apathy and exercise their constitutional rights to express dissent, demand accountability and contribute to nation-building.
Sharing personal experiences, Alemão traced his journey from youthful ambitions of becoming a doctor to pursuing aviation training in Australia after a short stint in medical college. He recalled facing life-threatening moments during pilot training, including engine failures and a crash landing, experiences that, he said, left him feeling powerless yet deeply rooted in faith. Those moments, he noted, played a key role in shaping his sense of purpose, resilience and commitment to service.
He explained that a career in politics was never a deliberate plan but gradually emerged as a calling after his return to Goa. Influenced by his family background and encouraged by supporters, Alemão entered electoral politics and contested his first election from the remote constituency of Sanguem, where he narrowly lost by just 200 votes. He described the defeat as a formative experience that brought him closer to grassroots realities. In 2022, he contested again and won with one of the highest victory margins in the state.
Reflecting on his current role as Leader of the Opposition, Alemão spoke frankly about the challenges confronting democratic institutions, particularly the practice of political defections driven by power and personal gain. He described defections as a grave threat to democratic stability and recalled that anti-defection laws were introduced to address chronic political instability in states like Goa.
Expressing concern over the present socio-political environment, Alemão questioned why many young people remain silent amid rising unemployment, corruption, environmental damage, frequent road accidents and shortcomings in the public health system. He also highlighted the increasing trend of youth migration from Goa, describing it as a warning sign of deeper structural issues.
“Politics is not limited to casting a vote every five years,” he said, emphasizing the need for sustained civic involvement, community participation, and advocacy for marginalized groups. He warned that attacks on journalists, writers and freedom of expression weaken the democratic foundations built through India’s long struggle for independence.
Clarifying that he was not encouraging youth to join any political party, Alemão urged them instead to become informed, courageous and responsible citizens. Describing public life as a “crown of thorns,” he acknowledged its difficulties but insisted that the effort to protect democratic values is vital for the future of the country and coming generations.
The session concluded with an engaging interaction, during which Alemão responded to questions from nearly 250 youth participants and 50 youth animators representing different regions of the country, leaving the gathering with a renewed call to active and conscious citizenship.