Team Herald
MARGAO: Fr Gabriel Coutinho, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary, Navelim appealed to get involved with the students community as inaugurated the office of Navelim Biodiversity Management Committee (NBMC).
The new committee of NBMC was installed wherein Priya Almeida was elected as new President.
Fr Coutinho complimented the work of the NBMC and assured all support to the BMC to conduct and to involve students so that they can the get first-hand knowledge from outdoor projects and activities.
He stressed the importance of millets like raggi in the form of ‘ambil’ and ‘tizan’ and its value that has been lost to present day pizzas and called on the need to revive the knowledge of the village elders.
A classical invocation dance was performed by Shristi and Swara Prabhudessai. The audiences were touched by the sign of solidarity shown by the NBMC towards conservation of river Mhadei, presenting a poem composed and recited by Sheela and simultaneously expressed in dance form by Sachika Almeida.
This was followed by the welcome address by the Sarpanch. There constitution and installation were symbolised by lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries.
The Outgoing Chairperson Celly Q Coutinho presented the report of the activities done during her tenure from 2017 to 2022 with a power point display.
She also felicitated the heads of educational institutions of Navelim, members and panchayat office staff including the sarpanchas and secretaries with token of appreciation for their support during her tenure.
Officially the keys of the office were handed over by the Sarpanch and the rules / Handbook and PBR draft were handed over to the incoming Chairperson by the outgoing Chairperson. Priya Almeida gave her acceptance speech.
Guest of Honour, Reshma Kerkar, scientific and administration, Goa State Biodiversity Board officer addressed the gathering and congratulated the new Chairperson.
She also informed the people of the importance of the People’s Biodiversity Register and recorded the healers in the village.
