Living in Communal harmony is the essence of cordial relations among people of different religions, castes, sects, etc. In our state of “mankulem” Goa, we can proudly state that we are known for social harmony and brotherhood, in spite of all odds and attempts by some sources to try and foment trouble and disharmony. Traditionally, we celebrate religious festivals together with members of different faiths. If our Hindu and Muslim brethren join us, Catholics, in celebrating Christmas / Easter, we too reciprocate and participate in their Ganesh / Diwali and Eid festivities. This is the tradition followed by us for the past many generations, to always live in peace and harmony in the society, loving and promoting peace. We, Goans, have grown in this psyche, which is inherited from our ancestors, who lived in this atmosphere of tolerance towards one another from times immemorial. Basically, we have respected each other’s practices, symbols, festivities, etc and some have carried along with them, the spirit of peace, tolerance and harmony, wherever they migrated for whatever reasons. Communal harmony is ingrained in Goans and we should not allow it to be disturbed or destroyed at any cost. Some vested interests and disgruntled elements of recent origin, appear to be bent on disturbing this harmony as is seen in some recent stray incidents of disturbance leading to tense situations. Luckily all this was nipped in the bud and settled amicably. Read more