‘Villagers of Ramnathi want the Sanatan Sanstha out of the village’

Herald: What is the first thing that inspired you to lead this movement against Sanatan Sanstha?

Saurabh Lotlikar: All the villagers of Ramnathi want to remove the Sanatan Ashram from Ramnathi and people are demanding for it since the year 2009. I want to restore my village to what it used to be. There was peace and love all over the village before Sanatan decided to take shape from here. We elected representatives from the village. My mother Sharmila Sudesh Lotlikar is a Panch of Ramnathi. So it’s our responsibility to keep our village safe from these elements.  

Herald: Why do you think the Sanstha is having a negative effect in the village of Ramnathi and in Goa or elsewhere?

SL: Sanatan Sanstha is not good for our village and for Goa too. Since the year 2009, Sanatan has been a suspect of investigating agencies. It clearly shows that they are doing wrong things. They are bringing their people from Maharashtra to stay in the ashram and it is dangerous to Goa. The kind of training under the banner of self defense which Sanatan is providing for these people only indicates that they are planning to create their brand of terror in Goa. 

Herald: According to you, what are the illegalities the Sanstha is involved in?

SL: First check CCTV recordings from their ashram since 2005. Everything will be clear. They have so many weapons inside the Ashram.  

Herald: How are you gathering public support and what is the response of people that you have received so far?

SL: The response is very good because all villagers want to remove the Ashram from Ramnathi. Maximum numbers of people in Goa want a ban on Sanatan Sanstha. A lot of people are supporting me in the fight against Sanatan Sanstha. 

Herald: Do you think that the Sanstha is really involved in the murders which they have recently been linked with it?

SL: I can’t talk about court matters. But you check the history of the person who is arrested. He is Sadhak of Sanatan Sanstha. 

Herald: What do you advise political parties and leaders who are in support of Sanstha?

SL: I want to advise the leaders who support the Sanatan Sanstha to take the ashram to their village if they’re so keen on it. Not a single minister will dare to start the Sanstha in their area because they know people will not allow it in any village of Goa.

Herald: Finally, what are your further plans and course of action?

SL: Our village is demanding to remove the Ashram. Since 2009, everyone is demanding a ban on the Sanatan Sanstha and that demand was under the banner of Jan Jagruti Manch lead by Vasant Bhat. But the Goa Government is not taking any action against the Sanatan Sanstha. Now it’s high time. We don’t want any reasons from the Government. We want to ban the Sanstha and that is all. We are ready to do anything to remove the Ashram from our village. Our public meeting is on October 11 at Ramnathi. Vishnu Wagh (MLA) & Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco (MLA) will be there at our meeting. I appeal to all the people of Goa to come for the meeting in large numbers.