Team Herald
MARGAO: The Congress Party hit out at the BJP and RSS for attempting to distort historical narratives during the observation of Martyrs’, Day in Margao and Navelim, marking the 77th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The events, held on January 30, were part of the party’s ongoing effort to honour the Father of the Nation and commemorate his immense sacrifice.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Floral tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi at Malbhat in Margao, while a similar ceremony took place in Navelim near Perpetual Convent School.
South District Congress President Savio D’Silva, Navelim Block President Peter Coutinho, former Sarpanch Zacarias Goes, district committee members, local citizens, and special guest Priya Sadekar, a Bhagavad Gita tutor were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Coutinho condemned the BJP and RSS, accusing them of distorting history and glorifying Gandhi’s assassin. He recalled the tragic events leading to Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948, following his fast unto death in protest of post-independence violence. “We must avoid giving undue importance to the name of the assassin,” he asserted, denouncing any attempts to glorify the murderer.
Coutinho further emphasised that the Congress Party’s presence in Navelim was a deliberate statement against divisive politics and vote-splitting tactics. “We are united and will not fall prey to manipulative politics,” he declared.
Meanwhile Savio D’Silva urged the public to remain vigilant against communal forces attempting to divide society under the guise of religion. He also questioned the silence of local MLAs regarding the government’s ongoing scams, calling for greater accountability.
Special guest Priya Sadekar, in her address, encouraged the public to adopt Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence. “Non-violence was the cornerstone of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy,” she said, stressing that conflicts should be resolved through peaceful dialogue rather than aggression. She illustrated this with a simple example, noting how, in the aftermath of an accident, people often escalate tensions instead of settling disputes amicably.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to upholding Gandhian principles of peace, unity, and integrity, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past continue to inspire present and future generations.
