Team Herald
MARGAO: Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira, on Monday, urged students and the public to honour the legacy of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes by fostering education, social justice, and civic responsibility.
This appeal came during the commemoration of Dr Gomes’ death anniversary at Ashmitai Bhuim in Navelim. Sequeira emphasized the importance of emulating Dr Gomes’ values in everyday life.
On the other hand, Fr Gabriel Coutinho urged the government to incorporate the syllabus into the school curriculum and emphasized that integrating these teachings would enrich students’ education and promote a deeper understanding of civic responsibility.
Addressing the gathering at the state government’s function, Sequeira emphasized the significance of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes’ legacy. In the presence of Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, former MP, and Chairperson of the Dr Francisco Luis Gomes Memorial Trust, he stated that Dr Gomes’ life is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for our beliefs.
Sequeira highlighted how Dr Gomes dedicated himself to the betterment of society, inspiring others to work tirelessly for positive change. He encouraged everyone to carry forward this spirit of service and commitment.
“In celebrating Dr Francisco Luis Gomes, we not only acknowledge his achievements but also embrace the spirit of resilience and hope he embodies. His efforts to reform education laid a foundation that continues to benefit generations in Goa,” he stated.
Highlighting the work done by Dr Gomes, the Minister said that Dr Francisco Luis Gomes fought against slavery. He strived for the creation of a society based on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity and campaigned against social, economic injustice committed on the colonised peoples across the Portuguese empire.
Former MP Luizinho Faleiro announced that the 200th birth anniversary of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes will be celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. “I have strived hard all along my life to propagate his ideas,” he stated. “I am very proud of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes’ life; he was a genius, a learned historian, a great patriot, an eminent economist, and a brilliant novelist.”
He highlighted that Dr Gomes was recognized as a prince of intellectuals not just in India but throughout Europe as well.
He expressed his gratitude to the Goa government for honouring their commitment to celebrate the death anniversary of Dr Gomes at the state level. Fr Gabriel Coutinho, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, urged the government to include a lesson on Dr Francisco Luis Gomes in the school syllabus.
“Studying Dr Gomes’ life and achievements would provide invaluable inspiration to the student community. By learning about his contributions, students can appreciate the importance of education, resilience and civic responsibility,” said Fr Coutinho
A function organized by Avito Pires de Menezes also witnessed a huge gathering of school students, alongside government servants. The event created a vibrant atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and energy, as young minds came together to celebrate the legacy of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes.