The heritage assistance to Old Goa should be restricted to help under the Corporate Social Responsibility scheme only of the partner corporate. It should be only supportive in nature and restricted to reinforcement. The command and control of the religious structures, maintenance of the ambiance, conduct of the religious rituals should be the sole prerogative of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and directly under the control of the Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Parish priest of the Se Cathedral whose decisions should be binding, since they are the custodians of these historical heritage religious monuments. The assistance rendered should be only a goodwill gesture, without any other strings attached. The city of Old Goa should be maintained as a religious and spiritual place of worship of world class in accordance with the tenets of religion. As far as beautification of Old Goa is concerned, there is a lot that can be done in maintenance of the lawns, plantation of ornamental trees that are Biblical in origin and general cleanliness thus keeping Old Goa clean and respecting the area as a spiritual sanctuary visited by almost everyone who comes to Goa. Commercialization should not be the motive and freedom of movement of the pilgrims should be befitting the spiritual nature of this Old city, within bounds of modesty. Let us hope that the heritage scheme will result in the partner corporate receiving the blessings of Goemcho Saib, St. Francis Xavier, more valuable than anything else.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
