THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a powerful display of unity, hundreds of people from across the coastal belt of Calangute marched through the streets on a rain-soaked evening, their lit candles flickering as prayers echoed on their lips.
The crowd, comprising men, women, children, nuns, and priests, came together to express their collective outrage against one man: Subhash Velingkar, who had recently questioned the revered figure of Goencho Saib, St Francis Xavier.
The peaceful protest began at Calangute Church, where the crowd gathered, undeterred by the looming clouds.
They marched nearly a kilometre to the Calangute police station, braving not only the weather but the emotional weight of the issue at hand.
Their mission was clear: demand justice and accountability for the remarks that many felt were an affront to their faith and a threat to communal harmony.
Local leaders, including Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira, Candolim Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes, and several panchayat members, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their community.
Even Calangute MLA Michael Lobo was present, signalling the political and social importance of the issue.
The anger was palpable, especially from Lourenco Silveira, a resident of Sinquerim, who condemned Velingkar’s statements.
"We are here because one man is trying to disrupt communal harmony with his derogatory remarks against a saint revered by people of all religions," Silveira stated.
The collective sentiment of hurt extended beyond the Christian community. Rajan Korgoankar, another resident, spoke of the broader impact of Velingkar’s words.
“It’s not just Christians who are offended. Hindus and Muslims also hold Goencho Saib in high regard. Velingkar’s outrageous statements have hurt us all. We won’t tolerate disrespect towards St. Francis Xavier,” Korgoankar said.
A Calangute resident, Premanand Diukar expressed his frustration with the authorities.
“Commenting against religion is absolutely wrong. The government must take legal action against Subhash Velingkar. If the home ministry says they cannot trace him, it means they are either incapable or intentionally not acting,” Diukar told The Goan.
The march culminated at the Calangute police station, where citizens handed over a formal representation to the local police inspector, Paresh Naik, demanding that an FIR be registered against Velingkar.
The protestors called for his immediate arrest, stressing that such divisive statements have no place in a community that prides itself on unity and mutual respect.
As the rain continued to fall, the people remained, unwavering in their resolve to protect the sanctity of their faith and the harmony of their community.
The candles they held might have been extinguished by the rain, but the light of their cause shone brightly through their collective voice.
