Goa: Konkani singer, composer, and cultural icon Alison Gonsalves delivered a powerful call to action at the Jubilee of Inter-Religious Dialogue in Old Goa, urging young Goans to rise as guardians of peace and harmony. Speaking under the event’s theme, “Messengers of Peace, Rays of Hope,” the artist moved beyond his musical identity to offer an emotional and deeply personal reflection on the unity that once defined Goan society and the worrying fractures now emerging.
In a strikingly humble introduction, he told the audience, “I’m not here to speak about my songs today. I just want to share a part of myself.” His words set the tone for an honest and heartfelt address grounded in memory, community, and hope.
Gonsalves recalled his school days with warmth, painting a vivid image of a childhood untouched by religious divides. “Religion was never part of the conversation,” he said. “We played together, shared our tiffin, argued, laughed but we were simply friends.”
He spoke of his home village of Majorda, where the church and the temple stand side by side, symbolising the natural coexistence of traditions. In his neighbourhood, Hindus and Catholics visited each other’s festivals every year church feasts, Narkasur celebrations, Ganesh Chaturthi, and more. “Our community has always been united,” he said with conviction.
The artist then shifted to a tone of concern as he reflected on the social tensions that have surfaced in recent years. He stressed that these strains were not rooted in everyday Goans, but rather fueled by outside forces driven by personal agendas.
“It’s not us,” he said. “It’s a few people, a few leaders, a few organizations creating this disharmony not for our benefit, but for their own.”
Recalling a lesson from school, he warned, “Divide and conquer. Divided people are easier to control. United people are difficult to control.”
Turning to the younger audience, Gonsalves delivered his most emphatic message. He described Gen Z as the most powerful, aware, expressive, and open-minded generation ever, equipped to stand against forces of division.
“You are the future of this world,” he said. “And the future of Goa’s harmony lies in your hands.”
Reaffirming the essence of Goan identity, he said, “Goa has always been peaceful. My Goa has always been united through our food, our Konkani language, and our beautiful diversity.” He urged young people to safeguard this shared heritage and ensure that Goa remains a land of unity.
Ending on an emotional note, Gonsalves acknowledged the subtle yet painful impact of recent communal tensions. “Deep down, many of us are hurt,” he said gently.
He invited the youth to step forward not simply as observers but as healers of wounds, protectors of unity, and ambassadors of peace.
His address, delivered at the historic pandal erected for the Novena and Feast of St. Francis Xavier near the Basilica of Bom Jesus, resonated deeply with the crowd. Organized by the Committee for the Apostolate of Inter-Religious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in collaboration with Sadbhav of the Society of Pilar, the event became a powerful moment of reflection on Goa’s timeless legacy of coexistence and the shared responsibility to preserve it.