Sabka sath is the key, says Rajeev Chandrashekhar
Margao/Panaji: Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Rajeev Chandrashekhar on Sunday called upon Goans to dedicate themselves to the mission of “sabka sath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas and sabka prayas” in order to build a modern, developed Goa and “viksit Bharat.”
He said that June 18 has a special meaning to the people of Goa. “On this day, the suppressed patriotic feelings burst into a mass revolution which led to Goa’s Liberation from the Portuguese colonial regime. Let us dedicate and rededicate ourselves to Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas to build a modern, developed Goa and Viksit Bharat.”
Chandrashekhar along with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant paid tributes to martyrs to mark the 77th Goa Revolution Day at a state-level function at Lohia Maidan in Margao.
PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar were present among others.
Chief Minister Sawant said the history of Goa’s Revolution Day – June 18, 1946 – will be a part of class XI textbook from the next academic year and that the government will take up beautification of historical monuments across the state.
He said Goa will be forever indebted to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and his family for their contribution to Liberation movement and also paid tributes to other freedom fighters.
He said Goa revolution is already mentioned in Bal Bharati book of class IV. Asserting that no injustice will be meted out to freedom fighters, the Chief Minister assured of clearing pending pension-related issues within two months.
Sawant said Goa government has made innovations in terms of technology, development, research, start-ups, coding, robotics. He said the government will launch Gramin Mitra initiative to take various government schemes to the people, adding that, Goa government has created a direct contact with the people via ‘Hello Goa’ helpline.
On the occasion, an exhibition of Ram Manohar Lohia was set up along with screening of a film.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia’s grandson Ramesh Chandra Lohia was felicitated who was present along with his family members. The unsung heroes who took part during Goa’s freedom struggle were also felicitated. A book written by Dr. Lohia in the year 1939 was also launched as a second edition.
Meanwhile, speaking at Azad Maidan in the city, the Chief Minister said that 100-odd children of the freedom fighters, who are yet to be offered government jobs would be incorporated into the government service, if they desire so, by next June 18.
Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, speaking on the occasion, said that freedom is not only confined to political freedom but also social and economic freedom.
“We can proudly say our system is developing day by day and our Indian Constitution is accepted as one of the finest in the world,” he added.
Pillai also recalled the contribution of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Dr. Juliao Menezes, who fought against the Portuguese regime, and further noted that their contribution should be passed on to the new generation.
“Goa having the highest per capita income will be able to make the best, affluent state in the country,” he said.
President of Goa, Daman & Diu Freedom Fighters Association, Gurudas Kunde, in his speech, stated that today there are only a handful of freedom fighters alive and hence cannot offer many votes, however their principles are still in place.
He further said that the government is trying to build hotel rooms and bars on forts or other places of historical importance, which is incorrect.
“These places are not meant for enjoyment and therefore, the government should maintain their sanctity,” he added.
The dignitaries paid floral tributes at the Martyrs Memorial, to the martyrs who had sacrificed their life to liberate Goa from the colonial Portuguese rule.