Team Herald
MARGAO: Condemning the derogatory remarks by former RSS Goa chief Subhash Velingkar on St Francis Xavier, Goa’s tiatrist community on Monday morning staged a strong protest outside the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, demanding Velingkar’s immediate arrest.
The protest witnessed a united front of directors, actors, musicians, and stage managers, despite initial resistance from the police gathered at the venue.
The protesters collectively addressed the media, criticising the State government’s disproportionate response to the Velingkar case.
Noted director Francis De Tuem highlighted the contrast in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s approach, noting how Sawant had taken swift action against Goan priests in the previous instances, but appeared to downplay the current situation.
Menino de Bandar emphasised the determination to continue protesting until Velingkar’s arrest. Milagres de Chandor stressed that the issue transcended religious boundaries, affecting the State’s communal harmony across all faiths.
Defending the tiatrist community’s broader social engagement, Prince Jacob pointed out their participation in various protests, including those against mega projects.
He specifically questioned Velingkar’s controversial demand for a DNA test of St Francis Xavier, which has sparked widespread protests across Goa.
Roseferns raised concerns about the government’s possible motives, suggesting that the communal issue might be used to divert attention from other pressing matters such as land conversions and hill cutting.
Criticising the roles of the Chief Minister and TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane in handling the situation, he questioned their silence on this sensitive matter.
In a strongly worded letter to the CM and North Goa Superintendent of Police (SP), amongst others, the tiatrists expressed their deep anguish over Velingkar’s remarks. They emphasised that St Francis Xavier represents more than just a religious figure, symbolising Goa’s multicultural harmony.
The letter highlighted how the statements had hurt not only the Catholic community but also individuals from various
faiths who have received blessings and spiritual solace through their prayers to the saint.
The community elaborated on the significance of St Francis Xavier in Goan culture, describing him as a unifying symbol that has brought together people across religious boundaries for generations. They stressed that any attack on his legacy essentially undermines the foundational values of Goan society and its celebrated tradition of peaceful coexistence.
The letter specifically called for immediate legal action against Velingkar, emphasising the need to prevent such incidents that could potentially disrupt the State’s social fabric. Identifying themselves as cultural ambassadors of Goa, the tiatrists expressed their commitment to preserving the State’s rich heritage of religious tolerance and mutual respect.
Areal locals hold peaceful protest, prayer service near St Francis Xavier chapel
MARGAO: The villagers of Sao Jose e Areal held a peaceful protest and prayer service on Monday night near the St Francis Xavier Chapel to condemn the offensive remarks made by Subhash Velingkar against St Francis Xavier.
A similar protest was held on Sunday night by the villagers of Agasaim, who held a candle-lit procession from old Zuari Bridge to Pilar amidst recitation of rosary and singing the popular hymn on the saint.