There are sparks of hatred and intolerance igniting in the peaceful and tolerant Goa. Goans of all religions have always come together to celebrate the different religious festivities. We find Hindus participating in making cribs and Catholics lending a helping hand to Hindu brethren during Ganesh festival etc.
There is always goodness in every religion and it is this richness that helps us to respect and uphold the integrity of all faiths. Religion is a way of life , helping us to be a better person and better human being in the eyes of God.
VHP admonishes the parents to ensure that their children preserve the Hindu culture. Does that mean other people living in the society have no culture and values? Our India is a land of rich culture and tradition and people of all faiths respect and preserve the same.
May all the enlightened ones win each other by love and not war of words.
Stella Fernandes, Margao
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Ghar wapasi
The recent ‘homecoming’ of Fr. Prem Kumar from the clutches of the Taliban in Afghanistan, which was solely due to the intervention of the PM Narendra Modi, is the actual ‘ghar wapasi’ any right thinking Indian would like to see. Mr. Modi is practicing what the RSS is merely preaching and in its truest sense of the word. Reconversion is not Ghar wapasi as the RSS profess and I am proud Mr Modi is trying to educate them as such.
Bosco D’Souza, Verem
Issue of conversion
The issue of conversion has been presented as a big issue and a threat to communal harmony. It is not necessary to believe all that media propagates, because it may not be 100% true.
The recent incidents of ghar wapsi was may be a projected propaganda to disturb the people of different faith to react. To react to ask for an anti- conversion bill. The important thing to note is that the conversion show is taking place as shown in slum areas and amongst uneducated people who might have been misled.
In a country like India every citizen is free to adopt any faith or religion and also free to propagate it. Many a people have converted to Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and vice versa. So, this ghar wapsi may not be a permanent return.
As people grow in maturity and gain more knowledge of other faiths they might like one over the other as long as it is their own choice it should be fine. Let not organisations use or refuse basic rights as is the case with recent ghar wapsi of marginalised and poor Muslims and Christians to induce or refrain conversions.
Farheena Hussainy, Navelim
The great ‘Modi’con
The PTI report appearing in your paper dated 28/02/2015 under “Modi breaks silence…..”, it is mentioned that during his 75 minute speech in the Lok Sabha, regarding statements made by fringe elements he said that he had a thousand means to “shut their mouths” and that he cannot be expected to waste time by making comments on all these statements! Well Mr PM, certainly the nation and especially the Christians do not expect you to make comments every time these elements indulge in community bashing but very much against your political wisdom, you chose to deliberately miss the opportunity to use the very forum that governs the nation to use a mere Two words “Shut up” to keep these fringe elements in their place. If you had done so, Mr. PM, there would be no unwanted comments by anyone, leave alone fringe elements!! The PM is in a dilemma of his own making. He rode on the back of the RSS in the name of “Development” but now is faced with spectre of “Hindutva”. It is not surprising therefore that we see No development anywhere in the country besides the development of religious intolerance. Mr. Modi has to decide whether he is responsible/answerable to the RSS or should it be the other way around. If it is the former, it can safely be construed as the biggest ‘con’ of all times on a nation which will possibly be hurtling towards impending doom if India does become a Hindutva State or HS. Scary when we see what is happening with the IS.
Bosco D’Souza, Verem
