Goa Governor Pillai Addresses Shift in Religious Demographics

Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai highlighted the decline in the Christian population and the rise in the Muslim population in Goa. He urged community members to study the reasons behind these demographic shifts, which he attributed primarily to 'brain drain' rather than controversial factors.

Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Sunday emphasized a demographic shift in the state, noting a decline in the Christian population and an increase in the Muslim population. Speaking at a church event, Pillai stated the Christian population had decreased from 36% to 25%, while the Muslim population had grown from 3% to 12%.

Pillai clarified that he discussed these changes with a senior priest, urging the community to conduct a 'positive study' on the matter. He highlighted that his remarks were misconstrued by media, stressing he was referring to 'brain drain' as a significant factor.

At a subsequent event, Pillai reiterated that declining numbers of Catholic individuals in Goa, in part due to 'brain drain,' warrant further investigation by community leaders and clergy.

(With inputs from agencies.)