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.
We need to remember that the role of Religion (RE-LIGARE) is to unite and not divide the people. Different religions are basically different paths to the same God. We should be thankful to God for keeping us in this pleasant situation and pray that the minds of those who may be trying to disturb the communal fabric may be enlightened by God and the authorities may deal with such elements with a firm resolve. Elsewhere in other parts of India, the situation is different and scary. So many cases of clashes between members of different religions beliefs and castes, leading to violent situations where so many people have lost their loved ones and face difficult situations. The recent violence in Manipur was an ethnic clash between non-tribal and tribal people killing at least 100 people and injuring hundreds of people including women and children. Thousands of people of Manipur have fled to the neighbouring states out of fear and anxiety. So many of these unfortunate ones are stuffed in relief camps with minimum facilities available to them. These are situations created by vested elements, out to destroy peace. The authorities too failed to act in right earnest to protect the lives and property of the victims. Sadly even the Churches were not spared and were targeted, destroyed and burnt.
Let us fervently pray to God to bring lasting peace in the state of Manipur and the surrounding areas. May God grant peace to the souls of those who lost their lives, ensure speedy recovery to those injured and may the people concerned live in cordial and harmonious relationships ever after.
Until we meet again
Felix Dias