FRIDAY, MAY 03, 2024
Herald Team
MARGAO: Former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president and former Betalbatim sarpanch Irene Barros passed away after a brief illness on Sunday. She was 91.
She was the first woman sarpanch in the history of Goa and also became the first woman president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee.
Congress leaders on Monday paid tributes to former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Irene Barros at her Betalbatim residence.
Congress leaders offered condolences to her son Dinar Barros and other family members.
AICC Goa In-Charge Dinesh Rao, observer Prakash Rathod, GPCC President Girish Chodankar, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat draped Congress Party flag on the mortal remains of late Irene Barros as a mark of respect towards her immense contribution to the party.
Rao, paying tributes to Irene Barros said that her dedicated contribution to the society and the party will always inspire generations to come. She fought for the people of Goa and for its development.
Kamat said that Barros was always concerned for the well being of people and never hesitated to raise voice even against Congress government if any decision of the government was going against sentiments of the people.
Paying his tributes, Girish Chodankar said they lost a loyal and selfless soldier of the Congress.
"Goa lost a devoted and bold daughter and I lost an inspirational guide,” he stated.
"After the Liberation, she boldly opposed liquor prohibition imposed by the government by understanding the culture and tradition of Goa," he stated.
He further said that Barros was the first sarpanch of Betalbatim and contributed to the systematic growth of the village. She was the president of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee from December 18, 1980 to February 25, 1982 and worked for the growth of the party selflessly with full commitment and dedication.
"Being a loyal party leader she was disheartened with repeated defections in Goa. Young Congressmen should emulate her party loyalty as she remained a Congress woman till her last breath," Chodankar added.
