In the past week, Goa remained on tenterhooks after former RSS leader Subhash Velingkar made derogatory comments against St Francis Xavier, thus invoking the ire of the Catholic community across Goa.
There was widespread anger and outrage among the members of the community, who rose to the defence of their much-venerated saint. They felt compelled to stand for what they conceived as an insult to something held in high esteem and revered by them.
That Velingkar made this comment when the decennial Exposition of the saint’s sacred relics is not very far away smacks of a deliberate attempt to foster communal tensions in otherwise peaceful Goa. But Goans refused to bite the bait of hatred.
Velingkar has a history of inciting communal tensions, but peace-loving Goans have not fallen prey to his machinations. Many feel he can’t be taken seriously, but given his stature as a former RSS leader with a following, he can do considerable damage to the secular fabric of the State.
Velingkar has a history of inciting communal tensions, but peace-loving Goans have not fallen prey to his machinations.
There were many who derided Velingkar's comments, but those who never condemned them unknowingly gave a stamp of approval to his views. The silence of those who failed to condemn the statement raises feelings of alienation within a community that feels it has been wronged.
Velingkar's rhetoric is detrimental to the peaceful coexistence of Goa. His words harken back to a bygone era and are irrelevant in today's context when people are confronted with a myriad of other life challenges.
Goa and Goans know their history and they don't require a person like Velingkar, who lives in the past, to remind them of the same. We have been shaped by our history and have emerged stronger from our experiences.
Religion, alone, cannot be the sole discourse on the basis of which modern societies are founded. Today's societies are based on diverse views that emanate from broader perspectives that transcend narrow religious perspectives propounded by people like Velingkar.
Velingkar is not what Hinduism portrays and Hinduism is not what Velingkar is. Hinduism is bigger than any of us.
Velingkar is not what Hinduism portrays and Hinduism is not what Velingkar is. Hinduism is bigger than any of us. The former RSS leader's values contradict the core teachings of Hinduism, which emphasise tolerance, compassion and unity.
Whether good or bad, all need to know Goa's history but to dwell on it and right the past wrongs will be like going back in time and committing the same mistakes again. Our desire should be to learn from history and recognise its importance in shaping our present identity.
So when a person like Velingkar desires to test the DNA of the relics of St Francis Xavier, it is high time Goans demand a DNA test of the former RSS leader to uncover the roots of his hate and divisiveness.
In a recent debate on Gomantak TV, prominent Goan doctor and social activist Dr Oscar Rebelo said it was necessary to understand the rich ethos of Hindu civilisation spanning 5,000 years.
Velingkar's statement should not divide Goans. On the contrary it should strengthen their resolve to embrace a deep sense of commitment to understand the ethos of all religions and celebrate the diversity we are gifted with.
It's important to honour this ethos, he stated. However, he also emphasised the urgency of denouncing the practice of celebrating this ethos by vilifying Hindus, Christians, and individuals like Velingkar who follow this approach.
Velingkar's statement should not divide Goans. On the contrary it should strengthen their resolve to embrace a deep sense of commitment to understand the ethos of all religions and celebrate the diversity we are gifted with.
Also, it's important to keep in mind that no religion is inherently superior to another. Those who spread such beliefs only fuel communal animosity and should be condemned by society.
During these difficult times, it is important for Goa to engage in constructive dialogue and to celebrate and respect each other’s religious diversity. This is the only way forward, and there is no other way.