From our special correspondent

Daijiworld Media network - Goa

Goa, Dec 8: Social activist advocate Aires Rodrigues has publicly appealed to the Defence Minister of India Manohar Parrikar that in view of the massive and devastating flood crisis underway at Chennai to cancel his 60th birthday fiesta scheduled at Panaji on December 13.

Advocate Rodrigues has stated that it would be highly improper and in fact a repeat of Nero fiddling while Rome was burning if the defence minister of the country is merry making in Goa while the country is shocked and has to remain in solidarity with the victims of the colossal Chennai disaster.

Advocate Rodrigues has expressed the hope that Manohar Parrikar would rise to the occasion and truly act as a statesman considering that he is now the defence minister of the country and not a petty local leader.

Advocate Rodrigues has further suggested that it would be appropriate for the defence minister to be in fact spending his birthday at Chennai helping out in the relief operations and it would afford an opportunity for Manohar Parrikar to demonstrate that he is a true Goan who is compassionate and an undisputed nationalist who would help his needy brethren in such dire straits.

Advocate Rodrigues has also urged Manohar Parrikar that the crores of rupees collected for his mega gala birthday celebrations be sent to Chennai as Goa’s contribution towards helping out those victims and in their rehabilitation.