Team Herald
CUNCOLIM: “Cuncolim’s first war of independence against the Portuguese had played a vital role in protecting the Goan identity. If Cuncolkars had not fought against the Portuguese, Goa’s identity would have been lost 436 years ago,” Chairman of Goa State Pollution Control Board Ganesh Shetgaonkar said, recently.
He was speaking as the chief guest for function organised by Cuncolim Chieftains Trust and Cuncolim Municipal Council to Commemorate 436th year of First war of Independence fought in July 1583 at Talebhat Cuncolim.
Principal of Cuncolim College Dr Sanjay Dessai, Cuncolim Municipal Chairperson Angela Paiginikar, her deputy Videsh Dessai, Trust President Oscar Martins, former chairwoman Lavita Mascarenhas, Councillors Ashok Fadte, Kiran Naik and others were present on the dais.
Appreciating the patriotic zeal and unity of Cuncolkars, Shetgaonkar said those sixteen chieftains along with other Cuncolkars stood up against the injustice and atrocities of the then Portuguese government. “Cuncolkars are the real heroes and it will be wrong on our part if we fail to recognise the bravery shown by the Cuncolkars,” he said.
Shetgaonkar appealed to the students to learn “Our ancestral History which has important lessons for the society. Today’s youth is not putting in hundred percent of their efforts. Everybody wants fast money and fast results. Youth is not interested in research. The method of memorizing will not take you anywhere.”
“Cuncolim revolt is the source of inspiration for all of us. The present generation should be proud of our History,” Shetgaonkar said.
Historian Prof Prajal Sakhardande said that the Cuncolim revolt was the first revolt in Asia against any foreign rule. He said that people from Cincolim, Assolna and Velim accepted martyrdom to safeguard Swarajya and Swadharma.
“When nobody was ready to stand against Portuguese atrocities, only the Cunkolkars dared to fight for their identity on July 15, 1583,” he said.
Fifteen of the sixteen chieftains were killed by the Portuguese on July 25, 1583. Cuncolkars were the first to refuse to pay taxes. “There is a need to recognise the first revolt of Goa and this rich History should reach every one,” Sakhrdande said.
Dr Sanjay Dessai declared that his College would celebrate July 15 as National Day. He appealed to all institution to celebrate July 15 as Historical Day.
On the occasion AAP Convener Elvis Gomes was honoured by conferring Cuncolim Bhushan Award.
Former municipal chairman Ramesh Dessai was felicitated with Cuncolim Shree award, retired teacher Madhukar Dessai was honoured with Cuncolim Jyoti while Prajal Sakhardande was awarded Cuncolim Mitra.
