Team Herald
Margao: The new Opinion Poll square, the Ravindra Bhavan and the Lohia Maidan became venues of a total resurgence of memories, pledges and acknowledgements, of the single most definite action of Goans in their history – Goa’s Opinion Poll. But this was as much about resurrection of an event which preserved Goa’s identity, as it was about Goa Forward’s lunge to capture the “identity” space and give it a handle to chart its own course and identity, within the ambit of its coalition with the BJP, for now.
But the Government and the Chief Minister, appear to be absolutely willing allies in the Opinion Poll project. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar assured the crowd gathered at the Asmitai Dis celebrations in Margao that Opinion Poll will be added to the syllabus and curriculum of studies.
The Chief Minister said, “D-day of the movement for independent Goa happened on Jan 16, 1967 and independence was complete with identity for Goa.” He added, “Our books of history are blank about the history of Goa, Opinion Poll for example. Not any more, in the coming year there will be a committee of all the stalwarts of Opinion Poll and there will be inclusion of the chapters that are now absent in the syllabus. The same will be done latest by 2019 and it is my promise.”
He further said, “There was a fear till 1967 whether Goa will be in Maharashtra or Independent. The fear was over after Opinion Poll.”
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai said, “50 years are over and we have entered year 51 and now we have to see how Opinion Poll was won. The youngsters have to know history. There has been an attempt to erase the Opinion Poll from the syllabus and curriculum of Goan education. We will have to fight for it and work too. We will burn midnight oil to make sure that the promise of the CM is fulfilled.”
Recalling his experience, the Chief Minister said, “No caste, creed, religions or language became a barrier during Opinion Poll. A board written in Marathi on the photos in the plaque unveiled today showed that it was not a fight of a region but of all the strata of the society. Dr Jack de Sequeira was father of Opinion Poll and the 38 leaders gave it a direction which MGP too supported.”
Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo while speaking said, “It took 51 years for giving this status to Opinion Poll. The war to keep Goa for Goans has begun from Salcete. Salcete gave us victory.” He further said that Parrikar has become CM for this day.
Lobo added, “The capital city has to host the Opinion Poll day next year and it has to be a bigger celebration. Before 52nd Opinion Poll day the statue of Dr Jack Sequeira has to come up at the Assembly complex and we will make sure we take the necessary resolutions.”
Lobo went on to say, “All 40 MLAs have to come together barring all political differences for the demand of the statue. I trust that all will be together. The portraits of the stalwarts have to come in the assembly too.”
Sardesai said, “We respect all the opinions and yesterday the inauguration is final. Hence today we salute all who voted for independent Goa.”
He added, “We have a challenge in front of us. Non-Goans have merged with Goa and what happens to Goa after this merger is the biggest concern before the youth of Goa. The Next Gen Goans will have to come together and work to neutralize this threat.”
Asmitai Dis was organised by the Directorate of Official Language. Among those wrere Chetan Acharya, Ministers Vinod Palyekar and Jayesh Salgaonkar, MLA Alina Saldanha, MMC Chairperson Babita Angle, Prashant Naik, Pandharinath Naik and several others.
A book written by Senior Citizen and Opinion Poll stalwart Sadanand Kanekar was released. The book is based on Opinion Poll and is in the second edition.
