MARGAO: Former Chief Minister and ex-Rajya Sabha MP Luizinho Faleiro has made a fervent appeal to PM Narendra Modi seeking financial support for the establishment of a memorial honouring the legacy of the late Dr Francisco Luis Gomes.
In his letter to the PM, Faleiro reiterated the exceptional contributions of Dr Gomes, highlighting his pioneering vision for India’s independence and the transfer of power from the elite to the masses, long before these ideas gained widespread recognition. “During my term as RS MP, I had last moved resolutions during the 2022 monsoon session, urging the Government of India to construct a central museum complex as a fitting memorial for Francisco Luis Games in Navelim, his birth place. However, the motion couldn’t be discussed as the House was adjourned on both the occasions,” said Faleiro.
“I am now again writing to you on the same subject, as I have managed to take forward the project in a small way, and the foundation stone for the boundary wall of the project was laid on the 194th birth anniversary of Francisco Luis Gomes on September 30, 2023. The funds for this case come from the MPLAD of the South Goa MP,” Faleiro added.
“However, the project involves a memorial in the form of a statue and an auditorium and would require funds from the government. The statue has already been commissioned and is being cast. Funds for the statue have been arranged from private sources and it will be ready in November 2023,” said Faleiro.
“Home Minister had suggested that any shortfall in the funds for the above project could be brought in by the Government, I am ready and willing in my capacity as chairperson of the Francisco Luis Gomes Trust to give the land to the government to be developed as a memorial for Dr Francisco Luis Gomes and then handed over back to the people of Navelim who are very patriotic towards this great son of Navelim who is one of the greatest sons of India,” Faleiro added.
Faleiro also light on the legal entanglements that have impeded the project’s advancement over four decades, detailing the prolonged legal battles faced by the Trust since 1985. He highlighted the recent legal developments on October 13, reiterating the trust’s consistent victories in court. “I am merely a custodian of the land , my intention is solely to preserve it and protect it for future generations,” he added. Faleiro concluded with a hopeful plea for the PM to ensure that the contributions of Dr Gomes are duly recognised and honoured with a memorial worthy of his stature.
