From Sanjay Borkar in Margao
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
Pic: Sagun Gavade

Margao, Jan 14: Seeing the placards, banners in the hands of youths and listening to their loud cries of ‘Scrap Regional Plan’ and Save Goa, which resounded in the late Manoharrai Sardesai Nagar in Margao, chief minister Pratapsingh Rane said that the Regional Plan 2011 would be referred to the planning board and thereafter same would be put up in the Cabinet for discussion.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day “Yuva Mahotsav" organized by Konkani Bhasha Mandal, he also said that such issues could not be solved just by protesting and raising slogans. But it should be solved by proper channel of discussion.

He also said that until the new plan was finalized, old plan would remain in operation.

Five thousand-odd young Goans from the several colleges and cultural organization are participating in this festival.

President of festival advocate Amey Prabhudesai, while delivering his speech, sent a stern warning that the youth of Goa would not tolerate any attempt to sell their motherland and Goan identity and served ultimatum to government that should such things happen in Goa, all the youths would take to the streets.

He also said that politicians on the pretext of development  were trying to sell the land of Goa, but the people would not give them a chance to sell Goa's rich heritage, culture and natural beauty at any cost.

"Don’t play with Goans or you will face the circumstances of the same," he reiterated.

Art and Cultural Minister Digamber Kamat appealed to the youth to protect the culture of Goa and to preserve it.

President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Purnanand Chari, Working president of festival advocate Amey Prabhudesai and others spoke on the occasson. Serafin Cota, Coordinator Chetan Borkar and chairperson Rajendra Azgaonkar were present.

Competitions like Trio Singing, Lokmand, Face painting, fusion of traditional musical instrument, Phataphat, Rangoli, and the like were held on the first day of festival.