Goa remains a fulcrum of attraction to all peoples of the world because of its compassionate culture. A Muslim scholar told me one day that it is probable that scientifically Muslim namaz which is performed in the mosques during prayer is an exercise that refreshes the mind by circulating blood into the brain. I have to quote from the Rig Veda to elucidate the sublime message that it sends: I possess the sacred potion and I wield the power to create, to nourish and give. Indeed I strengthen him who sacrifices, the mindful one, the generous, him who serves. Two quotes from the Bible are relevant to the message of human existence and degree of compassion that the holy book conveys: Remember men that thou art dust and unto dust thou shall return, and whatsoever you do to the least of by brother, that I will do unto you.
Our identity and our unity is at stake which was what the struggle of our founding fathers as well as the freedom fighters meant for. Through thick and thin in the history of Goa, Muslims, Hindus and Catholics remained firmly rooted first as Goans and then without disunity assiduously professed our particular religion without having to compromise our religious beliefs. I have visited holy mosques, temples and churches and shrines and what struck me was the camaraderie that worshippers of various religions who intermingled as they left the place of worship each with a warm smile on his or her face. In the midst of whipping of communal passions as a means of dividing our unity, let us stand resolute and unaffected by those who are trying to fan communal flames as a means of trying to divide us. Let Goa continue to be a harmonious confluence of both the traditional and the modern and let anyone chose to without affecting the other, live in this fraternal consonance. Let Goa be an abode where the liberal, the orthodox, the moderate and the radical continue to respect one another’s freedom to chose the lifestyle of each one’s choice and thus live the symphony of diversity in its varied forms. Let Goans show the way of mutual understanding, rarely paralleled elsewhere in the world. Let Goans stand united, no matter what the enticements.
