PANAJI
Pakistan-born 44-year-old Brenden Valentine Crasto, on Monday, obtained Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), making him the third Catholic from the coastal state to gain citizenship rights.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant handed over the Indian citizenship certificate to the Pakistani Roman Catholic under the Act. Joseph Francis Pereira was the first to obtain citizenship in August 2024, followed by Shane Pereira in December 2024.
Crasto, currently residing in Anjuna, married to Goan citizen Merilyn Fernandes since 2014, is the grandson of Goans who had moved to Pakistan before India’s independence in 1947. When his parents returned to Goa in 1981, they lost their Indian citizenship rights, though they continued living on their ancestral property in Anjuna. He completed his education in the State.
Expressing his gratitude, Crasto said, “I am very thankful to the CAA, the Goa government, the National Commission for Minorities and the central government for giving me citizenship. I waited a long time. We came back to Goa in 1981, and after 44 years, I have got my citizenship. I am very grateful to all.”
The certificate mentions that Crasto, is registered as a citizen of India under the provisions of section 6B, fulfilling the conditions under section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955, with effect from the date of his entry into India.
Speaking to media persons, Sawant alled the occasion “a matter of pride” and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, can reclaim citizenship rights in India.
“This is the third citizenship granted in Goa under CAA. After 44 years of struggle, Brenden has finally got his citizenship. His wife and children are happy today, and so are we,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister added that three individuals in Goa have so far been granted citizenship under CAA, while one more application is pending.
Sawant addressed concerns raised by the opposition and sections of the media, questioning how the CAA would benefit Goans.
