TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The Sarpanch, members and villagers of Rachol organized a public meeting at Ilha-de-Rachol to condemn the statement of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat against Nobel Laureate and Bharat Ratna awardee Mother Theresa.
Present at the meeting was Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who expressed his disgust at the insensitive and irresponsible remarks against Mother Tereza and added that the Nobel Laureate and Bharat Ratna winner does not need any certificate from divisive leaders like Bhagwat. He said that he had come to attend the protest meet to reassure that there existed voices within the Hindu community who deplored the statement against Mother Tereza.
Sardesai called upon the people, not to react and walk into the trap of polarization of Goan society but to teach the BJP government a lesson wherever and whenever possible.
Speaking at the meeting, Rachol Sarpanch Joseph Vaz said that statement made by Mohan Bhagwat was that of a sick mind. He expressed regret over such a statement stating that being a proud Indian and Bhagwat too being an Indian it was unbecoming of him to make such statement against Mother Tereza who has won a Nobel prioze for Peace, unlike the self proclaimed qualifications and unauthenticated credibility of the RSS headed by Bhagwat.
Also present at the meeting was Parish Priest Fr Roque Costa, who asked the people not to get carried away by such statement by fringe elements and also condemned the statements of Bhagwat. He prayed for peace in such times when such organizations are trying to divide the people of Goa on communal lines.
Also present at the function was Deputy Sarpanch Minguelina Pereira, Chaplain of Rachol Chapel Fr Erodiano Fernandes, ex-sarpanch of Raia Xavier Fernandes, Freddy Palmeiro, Gabriel Palmeiro, Diniz Vaz, Panch Milagres Fernandes, Francis Romao, James Gomes and other prominent citizens of the area. The meeting was attended by a large number of people who later burnt an effigy of Mohan Bhagwat in condemnation of his remarks against Mother Tereza.
