Sawant: All religions are one, communal harmony in state

Panaji: The organisation of the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier sends a message of peace to the world, said CM 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, peace and harmony. 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 state govt wants to spread the message that Goa is a place where harmony prevails. “We say all religions are equal, and through such sentiments, all feasts will be celebrated with great enthusiasm,” he said.

Sawant’s message was echoed by governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and other MLAs. “This is proof of the secular fabric of India,” said minister and deputy chairman of the Exposition Committee, Aleixo Sequeira.

“Unity between all religions in Goa should remain and 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.