MARGAO: A moment of pride awaits the people of Navelim and Goans in general as a bronze statue of Goa’s distinguished figure, Dr Francisco Luis Gomes, is set to be unveiled on February 1. Former Member of Parliament and Chairman of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes Memorial Trust, Luizinho Faleiro, shared the details, confirming Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as the chief guest for the occasion. Other dignitaries include Minister Aleixo Sequeira, Member of Parliament Francisco Sardinha and Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, among others.
Faleiro expressed his dream of creating a substantial project in Navelim in honour of Dr Gomes, renowned as the first freedom fighter of India. He highlighted Dr Gomes’ contributions to the concept of national freedom and emphasised that the statue would inspire present and future generations.
“Long before socialism gained prominence worldwide, Dr Gomes advocated for the transfer of power from the classes to the masses, demanding freedom for India years before the Indian National Congress took up the cause. His call for freedom still echoes in our ears,” added Faleiro.
Dr Gomes, a polymath, left a rich legacy to Goa and Goans in various fields, and Faleiro stressed the importance of learning lessons from Dr Gomes’ intense patriotism. He emphasised the need to understand history and heritage, as Goans are the proud inheritors of their ancestors’ ethos, culture, legacy, and history.
To honour Dr Gomes in a special way, Faleiro inaugurated a children’s park in Navelim and laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art library worth Rs 20 crore on February 5, 2007. The library, now a temple of knowledge, caters to everyone, including the differently abled.
On September 30 last year, on the 154th death anniversary of Dr Gomes, the foundation stone for a memorial with an amphitheater, hall, and compound wall was laid in Navelim. Faleiro asserted that Dr Francisco Luis Gomes Memorial Trust has successfully navigated several legal challenges related to the land where the project is currently taking shape.
