Don’t divide Goans
The recent push to introduce a stringent anti-conversion law in Goa is a deeply concerning development that threatens the very fabric of our state. Goa has long stood as a beacon of communal harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths, but replacing this organic trust with a culture of state surveillance and inter-community suspicion risks causing irreparable damage to our social cohesion. Proponents of the bill have consistently failed to provide verifiable data or official records demonstrating any systemic pattern of forced or fraudulent conversions in Goa, suggesting that this legislation is politically motivated to polarise communities rather than address a genuine public grievance. Furthermore, such measures directly undermine Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to freely profess, practise and propagate religion, as vaguely worded provisions are easily weaponised by vigilante groups to harass law-abiding citizens and disrupt peaceful religious assemblies. This legislative push also ignores the historic and irreplaceable contributions of Christian institutions, which have served all sections of society for centuries irrespective of caste or creed. From premier schools and colleges that have nurtured eminent leaders across the political and social spectrum to healthcare centres and social welfare initiatives, the Church’s record is one of selfless service rather than proselytisation, and misrepresenting charitable work as a lure for conversion undermines these vital public services. The chilling reality of this atmosphere is evident in how churchgoers now feel compelled to submit signed consent forms declaring their voluntary attendance simply to protect themselves from backlash after disruptions by fringe groups. When citizens must proactively prove their innocence just to exercise their fundamental right to worship, it signals a dangerous breakdown in civil liberties. Goa’s strength lies in its shared traditions and historical unity, and we strongly urge lawmakers to refrain from introducing divisive measures that serve short-term political ends at the expense of long-term social harmony.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Religious freedom
The proposed anti-conversion bill in Goa, besides posing a constitutional threat to religious freedom, will invite more problems for Goans, who have been living in peaceful harmony over the years. Moreover, the Church has made it clear that forceful conversions have never been on its agenda, as it is fruitless in the eyes of God. Had it been so, the Christian population would have increased by leaps and bounds but instead has stood stationary at 2.3% or even less over the past century.
A F Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
Misplaced priorities
At a time when Goa is struggling with issues like land conversion, rampant hill-cutting, environmental degradation, drugs, crimes against women, murders, illegal gambling and other serious challenges, the Goa government has chosen to make religious conversion its legislative priority. The timing and necessity of the proposed Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026, therefore, deserves the closest public scrutiny. The question that every Goan should ask is simple: What urgent problem in Goa does this proposed law actually seek to solve? Goa has for centuries been a remarkable example of people of different faiths living together, sharing neighbourhoods, workplaces, traditions and festivals. Its social fabric has survived generations precisely because ordinary Goans have generally respected each other’s faith and freedom of conscience. Introducing a stringent anti-conversion law into such a society risks creating suspicion where there is presently coexistence. If an individual is forcibly converted through violence, fraud, coercion or unlawful inducement, such conduct should certainly be investigated and punished. But the government must first demonstrate with credible data and documented cases that existing laws are inadequate to deal with such offences. Merely invoking isolated allegations cannot be sufficient justification for a legislation that can have far-reaching consequences for individual liberty and religious freedom.
Evaristo Fernandes, Merces
Sports unites
It is heartening that sport in India is no more “cricket and only cricket”. Sports connoisseurs and experts have now fathomed the fact that under watchful eyes, reasonable support and proper training, Indian sportspersons can be world-beaters in any game. As in any field, climbing the ladder of success is not easy in the world of sports that revels in cut-throat competition. But at the end of the day, it is the talent, determination and focus that count. Among the older jewels of Indian sports was hockey magician Dhyan Chand, who strode like a colossus steering the Indian team to many golden moments at the Olympics. Dhyan Singh became Dhyan ‘Chand’ to reflect the kind of bright ray he was for Indian hockey. He had what it takes to be a top-notch hockey player – skill, speed, stamina and strength. It is apt that his birthday is marked by celebrating ‘Rashtriya Khel Divas’ or ‘National Sports Day’ on August 29.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
