Goans live in harmony Over 450 years of oppressive foreign domination,Muslims, Hindus, Christians have lived in harmony..Openly participated in functions , celebrated feast and festivals and observed with respects and dignity traditions and customs.There are still instances of inter castes and inter religious marriages without any social uprisals , riots or public protests. It is after liberation and since opinion poll the virus of communalism was maliciously introduced by selfish politicians to give a communal tilt.Today with new Govt at the centre this divide has widened. Religious .Intolreance hatred and revenge has widened and India is openly and vertically divided into Hindus and the rest.Parties too exploit these sentiments directly or indirectly to appropriate a vote share to usurp power . The citizens are today consciously aware and cannot be immune to this virus in operation in daily life , services and Govt bias and favouritism.The redeeming factor is that the citizens have seen through cloud of smoke screen of deception and exercise cautions against communal overtones and maintain social relations irrespective of communal tilts. It is an amazing experience that a Muslim friend is posting catholic religious themes, messages, festivals, on a continuous daily basis and which is admirable.As a practicing catholic, I feel humbled and ashamed that I am not consistent in this direction or even anywhere close Religion should unite and not divide The core principles of all religions preach goodness and welfare of humanity It is narrow interpretation to keep flock under influence and control even religious authorities practice this subtle artinclusiveness and not inclusiveness. All our relations, friendship social interaction must not be anchored be held hostage to religious beliefs but good of humanity at large The designs of politicians and parties need to be frustrated by us and nipped in the bud not to be fighting against each other based on creed. Remember that religion is a personal affair and leave and respect it at that level.We are what we are by birth and not by choice
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
