Shun Western culture, reiterates Goa minister Dhavalikar

Goa's PWD minister, who recently demanded a ban on mini-skirts and bikinis, now says his "thoughts and sanskars" will take both Goa and India to glory.

Sudin Dhavalikar, the public works department minister, 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 sanskars and thoughts. I will continue to take them (sanskars and thoughts) to the people until I can. These alone will bring glory to Goa and India over time," Dhavalikar said.

Dhavalikar courted 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 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 their health".

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.