Date: 23rd October, 2024
The deeds of a saint are sacred and cannot be linked to mere “Santa” figures. Our forefathers lived as one united community, and external forces that sought to divide us along religious lines failed to create any lasting rift among us, Goans. We believed in the Gaunkari system, a communal bond that transcended religion and united us in a way that no foreign rule or ideology could destroy.
During the Inquisition, Goans stood by one another, whether convert or non-convert. Our ancestors did not see themselves as Christians or Hindus, but as converts and non-converts—a social distinction that, over generations, has faded into the shadows of history. Today, we see ourselves as followers of our respective faiths, united by our Goan identity.
When historians, researchers, philosophers, and scholars visit Goa, they often ask, “Why don’t Goans speak of the atrocities of the Inquisition?” The answer is simple: those atrocities were not committed by Goans against Goans. They were the actions of foreign powers that targeted both converts and non-converts alike. We were united before foreign rule, remained united during foreign rule, and continue to stand together today.
Despite the Inquisition’s cruelty, our forefathers upheld peace and harmony, celebrating each other’s festivals and supporting one another through hardships. What truly matters, in the end, is the noble qualities of a saint: whether one has devoted their life to serving humanity or, in the name of religion, has caused immense suffering. In this light, Goans do not dwell on the difference between converts and non-converts, nor do we distinguish between Christians and Hindus. What truly matters are the deeds—holy or unholy—of any individual, especially one revered as a saint.
Discussing this is not about stirring communal tensions. Many historians and scholars around the world have recorded the atrocities of the Goa Inquisition and openly debate its impact. However, when a Goan speaks of these events, some political aspirants manipulate the narrative, distorting historical truths for their own political gain and sowing division within the community, as seen recently, with FIRs being registered in both cases—against those speaking on the Inquisition and against political aspirants who took to the streets.
While foreign rulers succeeded in spreading Christianity in Goa and parts of India, we hold respect for Christianity and all religions. Yet, those non-converts who see Hinduism as a way of life voice their dissent not against Goans, but against ‘foreign rulers’ and their oppressive methods.
In truth, our forefathers endured the pain of being labelled converts or non-converts, but they never saw each other as enemies. Instead, they remained united, even through the most trying times, and we, the descendants of that legacy, continue to honour their unity.
The living truth for me is not found in the distant tales of saints like St. Francis Xavier or Lord Parshuram, although their actions have shaped the very fabric of Goa’s history. Their stories are revered, but they remain echoes of a past I have not witnessed. What I have experienced, what breathes life into my existence, is Kshetrapal—the protector of my bhoomi, my sacred motherland. He is a legend, not a distant figure, but also a living force I feel with every breath I take. His presence is woven into the soil of Gomantak and all around Bharat, and as the custodian of the Mahadev Temple under Communidade of Morombi-O-Grande jurisdiction, I am deeply connected to his divine energy. For me, he is not just a protector; he is my God, my Lord, My Everything.
Kshetrapal is the heartbeat of my village, known by many names across the land. His spirit is alive, watching over us, protecting our land, and holding us together. I feel his strength in every breeze that sweeps across the temple grounds, in the quiet moments when the world seems to stand still. To me, he is not a figure of the past, but the ‘living truth’, a guardian who stands with us in this world. His presence reassures me that no matter what challenges come, he will always protect the sanctity of our village, our land, and our lives. Kshetrapal is referred to by many names, such as Rakhandar, Devsaar, Dev, Vetoba, Khetoba, Ravalnath, Kal Bhairav, Sankhalyo, Kalegaar, Bodgeshwar, Ghateshwar, Vetal, Betal, Panjurli and others. These names highlight his role as the protector and guardian across different regions and villages, representing the sacred connection between the people and their land. For me THIS IS THE LIVING TRUTH.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged, “I ask you to once again preserve Hindu Sanskriti and Mandir Sanskriti (Hindu culture and temple culture). I ask you to give us the strength to rebuild these temples.” In line with this vision, the Government of Goa, through Notification No. 8/393/2022/DAA-195, constituted a Committee of Experts to review applications and representations concerning the reconstruction or restoration of temples destroyed during Portuguese rule.
The scope of the committee’s work includes scrutinizing applications and representations, along with the supporting documentation submitted to the Department of Archaeology, verifying archival sources available at the Department of Archives and other locations, considering proposals based on their expertise in archival materials, incorporating folk beliefs and oral history for cross-verification, and examining future applications received by the Department of Archaeology. This initiative was designed to safeguard Goa’s ancient temple heritage and rebuild those lost during colonial times.
On March 8, 2023, I submitted my application for the rebuilding of our Mahadev Temple (Kshetrapal is regarded as one of Mahadev’s avatars) .which is located in my village, Morombi-O-Grande, where I proudly serve as a Zalmi Gaunkar.
On May 12, 2023, I reached out to the Archaeology department with hope in my heart, seeking clarity on the rebuilding of our temples, but their response felt like a stab in the back—an outright insult to our history, I filed RTI applications, yearning for respect and acknowledgment, yet the reply I received only deepened the wounds, disrespecting our gods and our living truth.
In June, during the inaugural episode of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s television show “Hello Goenkar,” On Doordarshan TV, I took the opportunity to voice my concerns, marking my first conversation with him. I poured out my feelings, asking about the status of my letters regarding the notification of destroyed temples. To my shock, he suggested merging these sacred sites into a single structure, claiming it would symbolize the countless desecrated temples during the Portuguese rule. He assured me he would call and set an appointment, but those words felt hollow—just empty promises. I have yet to meet Dr. Pramod Sawant, and until now, there has been neither appointment nor communication from him.
Later, Minister for Archaeology Subhash Faldessai informed the Assembly that an expert panel had recommended the construction of a memorial (smarak temple) in Goa for the temples destroyed during Portuguese rule, along with a museum to showcase the state’s ancient temple heritage, as outlined in a report tabled in July 2024.
The RTI applications I filed at the Department of Archaeology have been appealed before the Chief Information Commissioner of the Right to Information Commissioner of Goa. Since the Commissioner’s post has been vacant for many months, today marked the day for final arguments, with the Commissioner presiding over the court. I was unable to attend the final arguments today due to a funeral procession in my village for one of my zalmi gaunkars. As I reflect on the situation, I can’t help but wonder why Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister to express a desire to rebuild our temples, seems to have changed his stance. Before presenting my final arguments, I feel it’s crucial to seek more clarification, especially since no future Chief Minister may support such an initiative.
Today, I reached out to an officer from the Archaeology department to gain clarity through telephonic call, especially since some staff members involved in this matter have taken voluntary retirement, resulting in changes in how this issue is being handled. The official and I amicably agreed that they would provide the necessary clarity and arrange a discussion meeting before the final arguments. This issue is close to my heart; before I go to battle for it, I need to ensure I’m fully informed, particularly since it seems the Chief Minister has distanced himself from this matter. To him, it may be mere election propaganda, but for us, it represents our living truth.
I warn the government that if the answers I receive are unsatisfactory and aim to underestimate our Kshetrapal, We, The Gaunkars will take necessary steps, including the potential dissolution of this government. Our commitment to our heritage and the sacred duty to protect it is unwavering,and we will not stand by while our rights are trampled. We will fight with all our strength for what is just and right. This is our unwavering promise and our living truth.