Memorandum submitted to CM Pramod Sawant
Panaji, Goa – The Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh has submitted a memorandum to Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, demanding an immediate ban on naming liquor retail outlets after Hindu deities, revered religious figures, or sacred symbols.
The delegation urged the state government to formulate clear regulations to ensure that religious sentiments are not compromised for commercial purposes within the liquor trade. The representatives also called for the enactment of stringent legislation to prevent such naming practices in the future.
The delegation that met with the Chief Minister comprised prominent dignitaries, including Shri. Jayesh Thali of the Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh; Shri. Govind Chodankar, Goa State Co-ordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti; Shri Yuvraj Gaonkar, Shri Raghunath Madkaikar, and Smt. Vishakha Mhambre.
According to the memorandum, several liquor shops across Goa are currently operating under names associated with Hindu deities or religious imagery. The Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh argued that this practice deeply wounds the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, noting that deities hold the highest position of reverence in Hinduism. The Mahasangh maintained that linking these sacred names to the alcohol business insults the deities and sends an incorrect message to society.
In addition to restricting future licences, the organisation has requested the state government to issue immediate directives to existing liquor outlets bearing these names, ordering them to change their signage without delay.