At the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ in Ponda, Goa, in May,2025 Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressed the public and redefined the image of Goa beyond its traditional beach tourism narrative. Once known as a paradise of sun, sand, and sea, Sawant emphasized that tourists now increasingly visit Goa to experience its rich culture and grand temples. He highlighted a growing shift in the state’s tourism identity.
According to the Chief Minister, Goa’s temples are not under government control but are maintained by local communities who have preserved centuries-old customs and traditions. He described Goa as more of a “Yog Bhoomi” (land of yoga and devotion) and “Go-Mata Bhoomi” (land of the sacred cow) than a “Bhog Bhoomi” (land of indulgence or pleasure).
Referring to Goa’s mythological roots, Sawant recalled the legend of Lord Parashuram creating the state by shooting an arrow into the Arabian Sea. “This is Lord Parashuram's land,” he remarked, underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance that Goa now seeks to highlight.
However, these claims raise serious questions. If Goa is indeed a "Yog Bhoomi," then why does it consistently rank among the top states in drug-related crimes, prostitution, and casino-fueled corruption? The Chief Minister’s statement appears to oversimplify the state's reality, especially given his own government's role in allowing an unregulated rise in casinos.
Goa faces persistent challenges related to narcotics and human trafficking. It continues to report high numbers of drug and prostitution cases, including both reported and unreported instances. In fact, Goa is considered a major hotspot for narcotics activity.
In March 2025, the Goa Police made what they described as the largest drug seizure in the state's history. A man was arrested in Guirim village (between Panaji and Mapusa) for possession of hydroponic weed worth ₹11.67 crore. “We seized 11.672 kilograms of hydroponic weed… This is the biggest seizure in Goa’s history,” said a spokesperson from the police crime branch. The accused was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Additionally, sex rackets are busted every few weeks, often involving foreign nationals. Casinos, meanwhile, have become magnets for crime, linked to extortion, political kickbacks, and compromised law enforcement.
In light of these ongoing issues, branding Goa as a spiritual land seems not only premature but misleading. Instead of promoting such narratives, the state government should prioritize transparency, law enforcement reforms, and measures to make Goa safer. Goans must reject this hypocrisy and demand meaningful action—because a truly spiritual land cannot coexist with unchecked crime and exploitation. [Rh/VP]