Are we Goans, or at least a section of us, the most sensitive people in the world? Every day, someone’s religious or cultural sentiments are hurt. It is heartbreaking to see sensitivities offended by movies, social media posts, videos, historical facts, and arguments against religion. Meanwhile, environmental destruction, water shortages, power failures, and lawlessness threaten our very existence. What baffles me is that one can do anything”even destroy Goa’s essence”but for the love of God, don’t hurt our religious feelings.
Communal and parochial voices have returned, spreading tension in our once peaceful state. Every religion has taken to the streets in anger”be it devotees of Saint Francis Xavier, Shiv Premis, Gau Rakshaks, right-wing Hindu outfits, or Muslims in Julus. All it takes is the desecration of an idol, a remark against a deity, and suddenly, we’re ready for destruction. Roads are blocked, violence erupts, effigies burn, and demands for arrests pour in”whether of activists, commoners, or even figures like Subhash Velingkar.Yet, how do we tolerate politicians who actively destroy Goa and its harmony? Some have mocked religion by swearing oaths in temples and churches, only to defect for personal gain. Fringe elements thrive with political backing, while so-called secular parties like Congress do little beyond lip service to their vote bank.
Blinded by faith, we repeatedly elect these wolves in sheep’s clothing. If our sentiments remain fragile over trivialities while Goa is plundered, unrest will ruin us for good. Goans must unite not just for religious causes but against corruption and destruction. Gods don’t need protection, but Goa surely does. Let’s hope common sense prevails.
