The appointment of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar as defence minister is a great honour for Goans. On the eve of leaving Goa, to take up the new portfolio, he expressed his deep sentiment for Goa and touchingly said, “that he is not comfortable to move to national capital as he is too much attached to Goa, but accepting it in the larger interest of the nation.” But nonetheless he assured the people in Goa, that he will be with them and guide the new government at any time of need. As 2014 Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier will begin on November 22, we appeal to the defence minister to upgrade the security in Goa and help Goa government to have a peaceful exposition. We are confident that the new Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar will alert all ministries and authorities to rise to the occasion and maintain India’s rich civilisation, heritage and tradition.
Nicholas Fernandes, Mumbai
