Panaji: The organisation of the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier sends a message of peace to the world, said chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday. Sawant said that Hindus, Catholics, and Muslims have lived together in Goa since Liberation, a trait that needs to continue.
“Goa’s nature is one of unity, of peace and harmony. Since Liberation till date, Hindus, Catholics, and Muslims lived together in unity, and today’s message is a message of unity. We have to keep this peace in Goa, and at the same time we have to keep Goa clean and beautiful,” said Sawant, who attended the feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa.
Sawant said that state govt wants to spread the message that Goa is a place where harmony prevails. “We say that all religions are equal, and through such sentiments, all feasts will be celebrated with great enthusiasm,” said Sawant.
Sawant’s message was echoed by governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and other MLAs. “This is proof of the secular fabric of this country,” said cabinet minister and deputy chairman of the Exposition Committee Aleixo Sequeira.
“The unity between all religions in Goa should remain the way it is, and it should be preserved,” said GFP president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas also called for all communities to peacefully coexist in the state.