Yet, Goa shows the way to the rest of India in abiding by Gandhiji’s ideals and principles of non-violence and communal amity among all religious communities.
Goa is undeniably the most peaceful state in the country and we are immensely proud of it. Even under extreme provocations, we have refused to toe the line of reprisals and revenge, as prevalent in most parts of the country. The Konkani agitation, which saw deaths of some youth, the Nylon 6.6 issue with a youth killed in police firing, the Curchorem communal riots, where properties were damaged, but with no deaths or injuries are some examples of utmost restraint exercised by Goans, in keeping with their culture and tradition of avoiding or containing violence.
Goans have also been extremely tolerant of various politicians, bureaucrats and even low level personnel in Govt. Offices who find it expedient to give preferential treatment to non-Goans, in cases of residence certificates, ration, election cards, etc. Poor women are sometimes seen being harassed by municipal staff, while selling home grown vegetables and fruits on footpaths or by the roadside, whereas migrants with handcarts obstructing the traffic, even during peak hours, are invariably overlooked. Even for employment, outsiders are preferred to locals, perhaps because they can be easily exploited. We have been watching and experiencing all this and much more with admirable patience and exemplary tolerance. Which other state would allow this?
For a country where violence is the norm and the only language that the Government understands, our levels of tolerance and efforts to eschew violence are indeed edifying.
Hindus, Christians and Muslims have lived in Goa for centuries in perfect peace and harmony. This is because we have all been brought up in an environment which respects each other’s sentiments, customs, traditions and religion. Never have we allowed these or our small differences to come in the way of our relationships. During the Opinion Poll, members of the three communities fought shoulder to shoulder in the best interest of the State. Similarly, in other agitations, always for Goa and for Goans. Even on the Special Status for the state, Goans seem to be united, perhaps as never before, mainly because we sense that there will be no Goa left if sale of land and immigration is not controlled.
While several non-Goans choose Goa as their permanent residence because of the peace and tranquility that prevails here, there are also people from across the border, like Pramod Muthalik, who envy us so much that they will not be at peace unless they disturb ours. Having failed to accomplish his evil designs in his home State, where his mission perhaps no longer gets Government support, he comes to Goa to teach us tenets of good behaviour, possibly with the tacit approval of the party in power.
If his utterances are highly objectionable, because they are generally provocative, like distributing swords to every Hindu house and questioning Vijay Sardesai’s religion and progeny, his aggressive postures are abominable. The demand now for ban on cattle slaughter, as against the earlier for cow slaughter only, obviously aims at harming mainly the minorities particularly the Muslims involved in this trade and in the consumption of beef. Echoing what his another non-Goan co-religionist had alleged some years back, his bogey of conversions by the Church does not match the statistics of a decrease in the Christian population in Goa. Will they tell us when and where they found these conversions?
Muthalik obviously has no following in Goa and hence wants to threaten Goans with some goons imported from his area. The reported filing of cases in Hubli against a tiatr to be held in Goa is proof of his cowardice and an attempt at just harassing the people here. Muthalik has also given threats of showing his might not only to the Government but also to those who oppose him. But if Muthalik needs any lessons of the mettle and determination of Goans, the sole instance of display of courage and support evidenced on Saturday last in Margao at the staging of Tousif de Navelim’s tiatr should suffice. Where was his band of protesters?
I am not inclined to believe Parrikar’s statement that his Government will make sure that Muthalik does not come to Goa. On the contrary, I strongly feel that Muthalik would not have dared say what he did if it wasn’t for Parrikar being in power. Had the CM acted when he spoke of swords, which was indeed grave, much of what he is now accusing the Press of, would have been avoided. But what amused me most and I had never expected our intelligent CM to descend to such levels of puerility, is his suggestion that Tousif should put off his mobile and change his SIM. Wonderful shield for his Police’s inefficiency!
However, Muthalik would do a great service to Goans if he acts against casinos and deals with the drug mafia, reportedly led by foreigners in North Goa belt, which apparently is out of bounds for locals. That is where his guts, if any, will be tested.
Goans cannot be cowed down by Muthalik’s threats. Let him not shame the good and tolerant Hindu community in Goa. He would be well advised to retreat to his home State and leave us in peace. He will not find any takers here, at least among true Goans. If he is prepared to take a piece of advice I would sincerely request him to concentrate his energies in preaching love, peace, forgiveness and tolerance and bring unity among all communities. That is what the world and particularly India needs today.
(The author is a retired banker)
