PANJIM: Goa will soon have a State anthem the people could call their own. The government has proposed a State Anthem in Konkani, which will give a feel of the quintessential flavour of the Goan soil. The government intends to launch the anthem on Liberation Day, December 19. 

Addressing a gathering of Konkani literateurs, experts and students at Goa University, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant urged writers to pen an anthem for the State which would be played during all important occasions after the National Anthem. 

Pointing out that States like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have their own anthem, Sawant said Goa, which is different from all others, also needs its own State anthem, which will speak of its struggle for freedom, unique culture, peace and harmony, etc.

“I want Konkani writers, poets to take this as a challenge and submit their entries to the Directorate of Official Languages. We want the anthem to be launched on December 19,” the Chief Minister said. 

Directorate of Official Language will be given the responsibility of selecting the anthem, which will depict the ethos and culture of Goa to the world. “The reason behind this step is that the song showcases the glory of the State. Also, everyone living in Goa should be proud of the fact that he belongs to this State,” Sawant said. 

Speaking further, Sawant said the State should have its unique souvenir, which will reflect the culture of the State. “When we think of what to gift guests 

during state-level functions, we don’t have a common souvenir like other States have. We should decide on our souvenir,” he said.

Speaking in a lighter vein, Sawant said that the items like cashewnuts or feni comes to the mind when anyone decides to present a souvenir.