Goan minister pleads ’to steer clear of Western culture’

Mangalore Today News Network

Panaji, July 17, 2014: Sudin Dhavalikar, public works department minister, in the state of Goa, was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a public event here, once again implored Goans "to steer clear of Western culture".

"Even if my effigy is burnt, no one can burn my sanskrithi and thoughts. I will continue to take them (sanskars and thoughts) to the people at every possible chance. It  will surely bring glory to Goa and India over a  time," Dhavalikar said.  Dhavalikar created a  controversy recently when he said: "Young girls wearing short skirts in nightclubs are a threat to the Goan culture. This habit of young girls wearing short dresses, minis and bikinis everywhere does not fit the Goan culture. We should not allow this. It should be stopped."

He also advised that women should stop drinking "because it is not good for any one". The comments drew wide criticism in Goa, a popular tourism destination known for its beaches and nightlife, as well as across the country. Fashion designer Wendell Rodricks in an open letter to Dhavalikar even asked him to wear a loin cloth to work, if he really believed in shutting out Western culture.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was then forced to step in and clarify that bikinis could not be banned. But after a private conversation with Dhavalikar, Parrikar also said that he agreed with the sentiment of his minister. Some did agree that excessive occidental culture over shadowing oriental culture was not so desirable, westerners often pick up Indian culture as a good thing.