MAPUSA
A mid growing concerns over substance abuse in Goa, a new ray of hope has emerged for those struggling with addiction.
Nestled in the quiet village of Colvale, the newly opened Hope Recovery Centre promises not just treatment but a renewed life for those seeking to break free from the clutches of addiction.
The facility is a compassionate initiative by the Claretians of the Province of Bangalore and is dedicated to the memory of the late Mathew Braganza “ a social worker and former chairperson of the Mapusa Municipal Council.
The centre, envisioned as a sanctuary for healing, is built on land donated by the Braganza family.
“Addiction is not a crime, but a sickness “ and it must be treated as such. Too many families in Goa suffer in silence. We hope this centre will offer them a place to begin again,” said Ryan Braganza, also a former chairperson of the Mapusa Municipal Council.
The inauguration drew a cross-section of prominent religious and political figures.
Among them were Rev Fr Sabu George, Provincial Superior of the Claretian Missionaries, and Rev Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman. The Bishop emphasised the centre’s relevance, noting that it would provide much-needed support to those “struggling silently”.
Also present were Fisheries Minister and Tivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira “ all of whom acknowledged the deepening drug crisis in the State.
Calling addiction a destabilising force across social classes, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo warned that chemical drugs were becoming alarmingly accessible.
“Drugs worth Rs 90 to 100 crore were seized in 2024, and in the first five months of this year alone, we’ve already crossed Rs 45 crore,” he revealed. “If not checked, chemical drugs will destroy our youth. Parents must remain vigilant,” he added.
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira echoed the concern, labelling drug addiction as a “growing threat” to Goan society.
Colvale Sarpanch Dasharath Bicholkar and family donors Ilma, Ryan and Kayle Braganza were also part of the opening ceremony, lending strong community backing to the effort.
The Hope Recovery Centre adds to the growing network of Claretian-led rehabilitation initiatives across Goa and reflects a shift towards a more empathetic approach to addiction “ one focused on dignity, recovery and reintegration.
