Barad asked the following question: Barad: Jose Colaco, are you catholic by birth or otherwise? (and commented) Your answer will answer whether Dr. Samir G. Kelekar is Hindu or otherwise.
-- jc's response: Dear Barad, I am not a Catholic by birth. I was baptised a Catholic only after birth. I also wish to state that I have never denied being a Catholic nor stated that I was not a practising Catholic. I have always maintained, and repeat here that I am quite comfortable with my practise of Catholicism. On the other hand, I do have a number of emails from Samir Kelekar which formed the basis of my query i.e. whether he was a Hindu. Now, I have to admit that, things may have changed for Samir since he last expressed himself on that matter. So, I will allow him to express himself.....if he so wishes. I hope that takes care of Barad's query and comment. Please allow me to stress my own personal beliefs on this topic: a: I see NO difference between a good person who follows one particular faith and a good person who follows none. b: I see NO relevance of religion to the topic which I was discussing i.e. the alleged-rape case in Goa c: I have no idea why Barad brought religion into this topic. d: As far as I know, Samir Kelekar is a very intelligent and highly accomplished man. He is (like his good father) also a very nice man. Just because we spar on the net does not mean we are 'enemies'. He is far too mature a man to take this banter more seriously than it should be. e: Religion or the absence of religious belief is not the only determinant of bigotry or lack of it. The main determinant of goodness is if one is fair and equitable in one's dealings with others. Now ....let me get back to my work. I do take the liberty of modifying the subject line. As Barad transmitted it, I believe, it violated GoaNet rules sincerely jc
