SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: A gallery dedicated to Georgian Queen Ketevan was inaugurated, on Monday, at Archaeological Survey of India’s Archaeological Museum at Velha Goa (Old Goa).
It is pertinent to note that relics of Ketevan, the Martyr, from the Saint Augustine Church in Goa were uncovered by researchers and it was sent by the Indian government to Georgia in 2017 for a period of six months to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Later, the relics were permanently handed over to Georgia by the Government of India.
The gallery that showcases ‘a saga of Queen Ketevan from Martyrdom to a saint’ was inaugurated by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi in the presence of representatives from the Georgian government.
Speaking on the occasion, Lekhi said, “We are constantly working on preservation and conservation. The history of Goa is also a history where temples were ruined, many other things happened…it’s a mixed history and at the same time, we are not negative people, we are very positive people. We accept all and we welcome all and that’s the positivity, and that’s a message to the world what real co-existence and what co-habitation means.”
She said that there are many parallels of Indian history where Indians have undergone exploitation, force has been used and killings have taken place and added that India remains true to its character.
“We have showcased our resilience, courage and stuck to our principles,” Lekhi said.
When asked if the government intends to preserve Goa’s architectural identity and rich history, Lekhi said, “We are constantly working at it and I believe the government of Goa has also allotted some funds for preservation and conservation, and I hope the country will work together towards this goal.”
The Union Minister welcomed the decision of Goa government to restore temples destroyed by Portuguese,
“Very good, that’s part of Indian history,” she said.
