Ever since the Hindu Janajagriti Samiti convention has concluded or still to say when it was underway, a lot of uneasiness and disturbance has been seen among the citizens of this beautiful state of Goa. There are those who have voiced out about the statement made by Sadhavi Sarawati concerning hanging of those who eat beef, yet there are those who have stayed silent and these silent people include ministers and the chief minister. Their silence means either that it does not bother them who says what or that they support such statements. Let me draw the kind attention of the office bearers of the public administration holding the responsibility of maintaining peace and brotherhood of the citizens of Goa that, my state is in itself a religion. 

An empty vessel will definitely make the biggest noise, primarily because it has no base for reasoning. Such is the case of Sadhavi Saraswati. When anyone visits a new place, it is understood that he or she is not aware of the culture, customs and traditions of the place. However, at the same time, it is expected from the visitor that he or she abide by the norms of the place and respect the sanctity of the land and its people. We do have high regards for all visitors hence the famous saying Atithi Devo Bhava meaning the guest is equivalent to God.

In addition, no religion will have it in its Holy Scriptures encouraging its followers to spread hatred and promote discord. Neither will any god or deity profess his or her followers to bring about downfall of others. Religion is a personal choice and faith forms its crux. 

Moreover, in my state, respecting the constitution of the country every citizen seeks to live in peace. Amidst this, comes someone who intends to instill venom of hatred, communal discord and pseudo superiority. Our ancestors witnessed the divide-and-rule strategy during the colonial rule, and now comes someone who intends to uplift the same by using religion as a means and a weapon.

Amidst all this what surprises me like many other citizens of the state is until now why has the government not said anything in this regard? What is the stand of the chief minister of this state on this matter? Is the government with the citizens of against us? Looks as if the government is scared of these ignorant minds. Goa is not just a three-letter word defining the geographical boundaries; it is a warning stating G- Get O- Out A- Antisocial. What defines us, Goans, is not the mere faith that we live of either being a Hindu or a Muslim or a Catholic but that fact that we stand by one another. 

As Goans, our religion makes us respect one another, accept the way of living of one another and help everyone to live life according to an individual’s freedom of choice. Therefore if anyone visiting out motherland tries to dictate terms and conditions without considering the way we live and the lifestyle we follow, please think twice before what you have to say. India is our country and Goa is our motherland, we do not accept anyone disrespecting the culture, traditions and customs of our motherland. Peace.