‘People from Bihar in Goa must embrace state’s peace, amity’

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said at the Bihar Diwas celebrations in Panaji that many people from Bihar have made Goa their home, some for two to three generations, while others from Bihar come for employment.

Sawant said all persons from Bihar living in Goa should ensure they embrace Goa’s culture of peace and religious harmony.

He said if persons from Bihar are involved in any crimes in Goa, it will bring a bad name to all those from the northern state living here.

“People come here for different jobs, as migrant workers or for skilled roles or other jobs. My only request is, follow Goa’s culture,” Sawant said. “If there is some incident of murder or dacoity, even you will not like to hear that he is a Bihari. That is why, follow Goa’s culture and follow (the principle of) equality of all religions, as is done in Goa. If you do this, we will all be able to live here in peace.”

He felicitated many persons native of Bihar who have made a mark in Goa over the years. Sawant said he thanks those who have contributed to Goa and even provided employment to locals.

“Goan people are peace-loving, they never fight one another, they believe in equality of all religions, and are filled with hospitality. Goans accept everyone who comes here,” Sawant said. “This is why some Goans have brought daughters-in-law and sons-in-law who are from Bihar. This is very good.”

The CM added, “Those living here for several generations have assimilated with Goans. In 1955, Saroja Devi Rai had come to Goa to participate in the freedom struggle. Your links to Goa are from the pre-Liberation era.”

He said that a former secretary of Goa govt who was posted in the state has chosen to stay here rather than return to Bihar, because of Goa’s culture, which must be preserved.

“Why did he not go to Bihar? It is because he liked the culture here. To maintain the same peace and environment, we have to work,” the CM said. “Your place of birth is in Bihar, but your karmabhumi is Goa. To keep Goa beautiful, clean and neat, you too should contribute.”