THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
MARCOS GONSALVES
Sao JOSE DE AREAL: With village elders as honourable VIPs, villagers of Sao Jose de Areal have set a perfect example to the entire state of Goa that utter dedication and love for the village can make impossible things possible. The nearly 400-year-old Portuguese-era culvert renovated with the initiative of the villagers was inaugurated on Thursday.
At the special function organised by the villagers, with no political leaders, only senior citizens were given the honour of guests.
On the request of the villagers, Fr Damacino Carvalho, Parish Priest of Sao Jose de Areal Church, in the presence of a few senior citizens inaugurated the culvert and appreciated the efforts of the people in showing utter dedication and love for their village.
The people also honoured a group of villagers including Edison Cardozo, Rosario Mascarenhas, Joaquim D’Costa, Paul D’Costa, Piety Cardozo, Amson Cardozo and social activist Freddy Travasso for the initiative.
Dr Francisco Xavier Fernandes, a well-known personality from the village, appreciated the group of villagers for restoring the heritage village structure.
“As per my knowledge this culvert is 400 years old as it connects the two villages of Sao Jose de Areal and Dicarpale,” he said.
Fr Carvalho said that this small bridge will help the villagers in many ways.
“It is my request to all the people not to misuse the site by creating nuisance, which will bring bad name to the village,” he appealed.
Freddy Travasso has urged the government authorities concerned to help the villagers in making this place more beautiful and attractive.
“It is our demand to the government authorities concerned to take up some extra development. Boating activities for the villagers can be taken up at the site if the authorities make an effort to build bandhara here,” he urged.
He said that this could be a perfect example to the other villages to take up such initiatives and set an example that dedication and love can result in the betterment of the village.
