MARGAO/panjim: The Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Opinion Poll Day on Monday.

It may be recalled that 50 years ago on January 16, 1967, Goans had voted against merging Goa with Maharashtra. Over 500 people attended the meeting at Lohia Maidan on Monday, which was graced by Adv Uday Bhembre, Sandesh Prabhudessai and others. 

Speaking at the meeting Adv Uday Bhembre said, "There are people, who have promised and have backtracked on their promise to protect the unique Goan identity and Goans will have to teach lesson to these people." 

Meanwhile, Goa ForGiving organized an event to mark the 50th anniversary of the Historic Opinion Poll of Goa, at Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim.

The event started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Dr Claude Alvares (founder, Goa Foundation) in the presence of Lenny Menezes (ex-county head Hilton Hotels), Vivek Menezes (writer & photographer), Prasad Pankar (fashion photographer), Bardroy  Barretto (filmmaker), Pramod Acharya (editor Prudent Media), Jeroninio Almeida (corporate trainer), Ronnie Monsorate (music director) and Armando Gonsalves (founder, Goa ForGiving). 

Gonsalves welcomed the gathering, and gave an introduction of the topic ‘Future of Goa- The Healing Balm”. 

Various issues -- identity, the casinos, MoI, sussegado etc. were discussed, and possible solutions to the same were suggested. 

Later, “Goenkarponn…The Goa song” was released by music composer Ronnie Monsorate. 

He explained as to how he came out with the idea of composing the song when he met Armando Gonsalves in Mumbai two months ago. 

Armando Gonsalves, lyricist Roque Lazarus, mentor Vitrus D’Souza also shared their experiences with regards to the song. The song can be downloaded free from www.goaforgiving.org.