Navhind Times
(Additional report)
Panaji, Jun 19: Governor S C Jamir and Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane on Sunday honoured 22 freedom fighters by presenting them with shawl, srifal and a replica of Martyrs’ Memorial at Panaji at a state-level Goa Revolution Day function held at Azad Maidan, here on Sunday morning.
Goa governor S C Jamir, CM Pratapsingh Rane, opposition leader Manohar Parrikar and other dignitaries are seen with the honoured freedom-fightes on the occasion of the Goa Revolution Day on the Azad Maidan in Panaji. (Daijiworld exclusive pic by Rajtilak Naik, Panaji)
In his address, the Governor paid glowing tributes to the memory of martyrs, known and unknown freedom fighters and all those leaders who have transformed the state of Goa over the years. He said the face of Goa had been completely changed since liberation.
Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Francisco Sardinha, Ms Alemla Jamir, chairperson of Bal Bhavan Vijayadevi Rane, health Minister Dayanand Narvekar, Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, Chief Secretary J P Singh, and DGP Niraj Kumar, besides senior government officers and citizens attended the function.
Jamir said,“18th June, Goa’s Revolution Day occupies immense importance in the history of Goa and the country as a whole because the clarion call given on this day by great socialist leader, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia in 1946, ignited fire of patriotism and nationalism in the minds of people not only from Goa but from other parts of the country which culminated into the Liberation of Goa on December 19, 1961.”
Jamir called upon people of Goa to solemnly resolve to revolutionize all the existing systems, way of life and social and cultural ethos to make Goa a more united, harmonious, progressive and prosperous state, where citizens would continue to have a strong sense of belonging as members of one family. “The most precious legacy of Goa is communal harmony which needs to be preserved and protected for posterity,” he added.
The Chief Minister, in his speech, highlighted the importance of Goa Revolution Day, and paid rich tributes to the memory of martyrs, known and unknown freedom fighters, who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom.
He said the clarion call given by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia from Margao 60 years ago gave a tremendous jerk to the colonial rule and great momentum to the freedom movement of Goa which finally culminated into the liberation of this territory.
Freedom gave us democratic set of governance, he said and added,“it has given the freedom of expression to all people. Problems and differences if any should be solved through dialogue.”
Rane further said most of the growth requirements of the state and problems faced in the process were solved in the state assembly after proper discussion. He also announced that the pension amount for the freedom fighters would be increased soon.
President of Goa Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters Association Vasant Molio, who spoke on the occasion, commended the achievement of the government and called upon people to rally behind it for future progress of the state.
Goa Swatantra Sainik Sangh president Chandrakant Kenkre said more people should come forward and participate in such functions.
Later the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries paid floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Memorial. Children of Bal Bhavan presented patriotic songs. Dr Dayanand Rao compered the function.