In a series of statements that have stirred considerable debate, Goa Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai addressed the shifting religious demographics of Goa, highlighting a notable decrease in the Christian population alongside an increase in the Muslim population. These comments, made during a church event in Kochi, have sparked controversy and led to a clarifying response from Pillai.
During his speech at a church in Ernakulam on Saturday, Pillai stated that the Christian population in Goa had dropped significantly, from 36% to 25%, while the Muslim population had risen from 3% to 12%. He noted that this demographic shift was a matter of concern and suggested that the Archbishop of Goa, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, should investigate these changes. Pillai’s comments were reportedly intended to prompt a study into these demographic shifts and their causes.
However, following media coverage of his comments, Governor Pillai sought to clarify his stance. At a subsequent event, he emphasised that his intention was not to target any particular religious community or to stir controversy. "I have seen certain media houses creating controversy out of my statement. I was not talking about the demography or about any particular community," Pillai explained.
The Governor further elaborated that his primary concern was the overall decline in the Christian population in Goa, which he attributed to potential "brain drain". "When the community leaders including the priests visited me, I referred to certain news articles in connection with the same. I asked them to study it. I feel like it is mainly due to the brain drain," Pillai stated.
In his clarification, the Governor highlighted that his comments were rooted in historical context, noting that Christians were a "prominent segment" at the time of Goa's liberation. "At the time of liberation (of Goa), Christians were the prominent segment. Recently, I read an article that said the Christian population has come down to 25%," he said.
Pillai emphasised that he did not mean to single out any particular religion. "I did not mean any religion. When the clergy came to meet me, I raised the matter with them. One religion is down and the size of another religion has grown to 12%," he explained.
