MARGAO: The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, the major seminary of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, has released powerful videos aimed at creating awareness amongst the people on the forthcoming State Assembly elections. The videos uploaded have already received thousands of views.
The video flagged a host of concerns and will act more as a reference point for those who are undecided. The message was clear. Chose a candidate type rather than just a candidate and do not divide votes.
And if one reads between the lines it’s clear what the message in the videos indicate. It informs the people to remember that “divided votes will lead the State into the hands of a corrupt and divisive party and to thus vote for a safe, clean and green Goa”.
“Last few months we have witnessed unprecedented party hopping, divisive diabolic communal speeches, jumla speeches, unrealistic party propaganda, the awakening of religious sentiments, and surge of the ‘Vitamin M’ pandemic. Therefore it is time to think seriously and to decide consciously and collectively on 14th February for the future of Goa,” says one of the two videos.
The video then focuses on the question of who the people should vote for in this election.
On this, it says, “One who respects the electorate, persons of credibility of truth, who stands by his or her word and not wavers later by switching the party for an excuse of development. Vote for the person who is known for bringing about unity amongst people, not the one who favours one’s own clan, party, or personal following. Reject the hate mongers!”
It continues, “Vote for the one who respects merit not favouritism. One who is not corrupt or scandalous. One who is not affirmative of one’s religious following and divisive with the people of other religions. One who stands for democratic rights. Reject the one who is arrogant, autocratic, vindictive, abusive and misuses the State’s machinery to harass peaceful and rightful citizens and their movements.”
“Vote for one who we can question without fear. Who will respect and protect our rights for sustainable development and care for our land and people of Goa One who will be an ambassador of equality, justice, and truth! One who will protect and promote social equality without any discrimination on the grounds of caste, colour, creed, religion or language,” the video adds further.
In the other video, the Seminary focuses on how the identity and culture of Goa are getting diluted and the various problems in the State, be it rampant sale of land and fields, frequent political party defections, or corrupt practices at government offices. While the video also talks about recent developments like the mass protests against the three linear projects, it lays emphasis on how Goans from all religious backgrounds have always lived in communal harmony and how this should continue.
The videos also stressed the value of each individual vote wherein they were asked not to sell their votes in exchange of money as their votes can make the difference in helping Goa get the kind of governance Goans deserve.
