Team Herald
MARGAO: Tributes were paid to freedom fighter Gurunath Kelekar on Saturday at the condolence meeting ‘Gurunath Kelekar-Ek Yaad’.
The meeting discussed the undaunted grit of the late freedom fighter for the betterment of Goa. It may be recalled that freedom fighter, Konkani writer, social activist and founder chairman of MARG Trust Kelekar expired on January 19 2021 at the age of 91.
The condolence meeting organised by Marg Trust was attended by Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, MLAs Reginaldo Lourenco and Vijai Sardesai and representatives of Freedom Fighters Association, Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Goa Konkani Academy, Dakshinayan Abhiyaan, Bailancho Ekvott, 18th June Krantidin Samiti, Civic Clubs of MARG Trust and family members of Kelekar.
Goa Konkani Academy president Arun Sakhardande said, “We have to find our way and become a good personality.”
Kelekar’s son Samir Kelekar said, “My father always had a grief that we did not become citizens but remained only voters. Through MARG, I don’t think he has got any success as accidents keep increasing”.
Reginaldo said, “He will be an example to all of us as we look upon his teachings to create a better Goa”.
Sardesai said, “Gurunath was the first person who propagated Goem, Goenkar and Goenkarponn and we only politicised it. We don’t have a high civic sense”.
“It is our responsibility to take all the works he planned and wished to happen,” Vijai added.
Prashant Naik, MARG president said, “If not for the work of MARG there would have been an exponential growth in accidents in Goa given the amount of vehicles on the roads.”
