Subhash Velingkar, a figure notorious for his provocative statements, has once again stirred controversy with his recent comment involving St. Francis Xavier, a deeply revered figure in Goan Christian history. His assertion that the “DNA” of St. Francis Xavier has affected Goan society is a communally charged statement that reveals a dangerous attempt to fracture the peaceful coexistence of different religious communities in Goa. Such divisive rhetoric threatens the very fabric of Goa, a state known for its harmonious blend of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians who have lived together in peace for centuries.
Velingkar’s comments are not new in their intent or design. They are part of a larger pattern of inflammatory statements aimed at hurting religious sentiments, particularly of Christians in Goa. His consistent targeting of this community with deliberate and bigoted remarks is cause for alarm. It is not only an affront to the Christian community but also an insult to the long-standing unity that defines Goan society. The statement about St. Francis Xavier, a figure whose influence on Goan culture and heritage is undeniable, is just the latest example of Velingkar’s dangerous rhetoric.
Goa stands as a beacon of communal harmony, where its diverse population has managed to live peacefully, with mutual respect and tolerance, for decades. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians in Goa share more than just geographical space—they share a cultural heritage that transcends religious lines. Festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated not just by individuals of the respective faiths but by Goans as a whole, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect that many other parts of the world struggle to achieve.
This unique social fabric, however, is under threat from individuals like Velingkar, whose communally divisive statements seek to create rifts where none previously existed. His comments on St. Francis Xavier seems aimed at dredging up a distant past in an attempt to stoke present-day animosities.
In Goa, there are indeed sections of society who, due to their interpretation of the state’s colonial history, may not hold St. Francis Xavier in the same reverence as the Christian community. For them, the period of Portuguese colonization and the spread of Christianity may evoke memories of cultural imposition and historical grievances. However, while these perspectives are part of the larger discourse on Goa’s colonial past, they do not provide a legitimate basis for making bigoted or disrespectful statements against someone else’s religious beliefs.
Disbelief or disagreement with any aspect of another faith is an individual right, but that right comes with the responsibility of exercising restraint and respect. In a pluralistic society like Goa, where different communities live side by side, preserving peace and harmony depends on mutual understanding and tolerance. Using personal or historical disagreements as a license to insult the religious sentiments of others crosses the line from respectful dialogue into the dangerous territory of incitement.
Public figures, especially those with significant influence, must be particularly mindful of the impact their words can have on society. Bigoted statements, such as those targeting St. Francis Xavier or any religious figure, have the potential to ignite communal tensions and sow discord. While it is perfectly legitimate to critique historical events or practices, that critique must be rooted in facts, sensitivity, and a desire for constructive dialogue—not in fostering animosity between different groups.
If Velingkar or others have objections to Goa’s colonial past or its lasting effects, there are ways to express those views without inflaming religious tensions. Responsible discourse should focus on building understanding, even in disagreement, rather than tearing down the respect that communities have for their sacred figures. St. Francis Xavier, for many Goans, symbolizes faith, tradition, and heritage. To dismiss this reverence by making provocative and bigoted remarks does not contribute to historical discussion; it only creates unnecessary division.
Velingkar’s statement about the ‘DNA’ of St. Francis Xavier affecting Goan society is more than a mere personal opinion—it is a calculated attempt to inflame passions and deepen religious divides. Such statements serve no purpose other than to instigate conflict, and they should be seen for what they truly are: attempts to politicize religion and disrupt social harmony. Bigoted rhetoric of this nature undermines the fundamental principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution and tarnishes the values that Goan society holds dear.
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of Indian democracy, but it comes with inherent responsibilities. While everyone has the right to express their opinion, this freedom does not extend to speech that incites violence, hatred, or communal disharmony. Velingkar’s repeated inflammatory remarks fall squarely into the category of hate speech, and they must be condemned not only by the Christian community but by all those who value the peace and unity of Goa.
In a state like Goa, where religious coexistence has been a way of life, comments like Velingkar’s have the potential to unravel years of mutual respect and understanding. His remarks are not only insensitive but dangerous, as they play directly into the hands of those who wish to see a more divided society. In today’s politically charged climate, it is all too easy for such statements to ignite tensions that can spiral out of control, leading to communal unrest.
Public figures, especially those with influence, bear a heightened responsibility to ensure that their words do not incite hatred or violence. Velingkar, given his position and platform, should know this better than most. Yet, time and again, he has used his voice not to unify, but to divide. His targeting of the Christian community through comments about St. Francis Xavier is a clear example of this, and it raises the question: what does Velingkar hope to achieve with these divisive remarks?
If Velingkar truly believed in his convictions, one would expect him to face the consequences of his statements with courage and dignity. Instead, he has chosen to evade accountability, refusing to engage with the legal processes that have been initiated against him. This behavior is not only cowardly but also hypocritical. A man of true conviction would stand by his words and defend them in a court of law, rather than fleeing from the consequences.
His actions suggest that even he knows the nature of his comments is indefensible. Rather than face the law like a man of principle, Velingkar has opted to run from the responsibility that comes with his statements. This evasive behavior not only undermines his credibility but also exposes the true intent behind his words: to provoke, to incite, and to escape unscathed.
Velingkar’s repeated disregard for the law is troubling. India’s legal framework provides mechanisms to address hate speech and protect the communal harmony of its citizens. While freedom of speech is protected under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, it is also subject to reasonable restrictions, particularly when it comes to speech that harms public order or religious sentiments. Velingkar’s statements fall well within the scope of what can be deemed harmful to public order, and as such, should be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
However, it is not just the responsibility of the law to curb such bigoted rhetoric—it is also the responsibility of society. Goans, who have long prided themselves on their communal harmony, must collectively reject such divisive comments. Leaders from all communities should speak out against attempts to disrupt the peace and unity of Goa. The silent majority must make it clear that there is no place for communal hatred in their state, and that individuals like Velingkar, who seek to spread such hatred, will not succeed.
Subhash Velingkar’s inflammatory statements are not isolated incidents; they appear to be part of a broader agenda driven by communal forces attempting to fracture Goa’s social harmony. For decades, Hindus and Christians in Goa have shared a bond of mutual respect and cooperation. This peaceful coexistence, marked by festivals, interfaith friendships, and shared cultural heritage, has been a defining characteristic of Goan society.
However, Velingkar’s divisive rhetoric seems calculated to disrupt this harmony. By making provocative statements about figures like St. Francis Xavier, he is playing into the hands of larger communal forces that seek to drive a wedge between Hindu and Christian communities. His role can be seen as that of a pawn—someone who, willingly or unwittingly, is being used to further a dangerous agenda that aims to polarize Goan society along religious lines.
This strategy of divide and rule is not new, but it is particularly concerning in a place like Goa, where secular values and communal harmony have been the bedrock of society. Those behind this agenda are well aware that a fractured society is easier to manipulate. By fostering suspicion and resentment between communities, they aim to destabilize the unity that has been the hallmark of Goa’s social fabric.
Goans, however, must recognize this divisive game for what it is and reject attempts to pit communities against each other. The strength of Goa lies in its ability to maintain harmony despite its diverse religious composition. The shared values of tolerance, respect, and peace must be upheld, even in the face of deliberate provocations.
Subhash Velingkar’s comments on St. Francis Xavier represent more than just an attack on the Christian community—they are an attack on the very idea of Goan unity. In a state that has long been a symbol of religious coexistence, there is no place for the kind of divisive, bigoted rhetoric that Velingkar espouses. His statements must be condemned, not just by the Christian community, but by all Goans who value peace, harmony, and mutual respect.
Goa has thrived for centuries as a melting pot of cultures and religions, and it is this unity that defines the state. Those who seek to undermine it, like Velingkar, must be held accountable for their words and actions. It is time for Goans to stand together and reject the politics of division, and to defend the communal harmony that has long been their greatest strength.
