TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai fired a salvo at the BJP-led Manohar Parrikar government on Monday as freedom fighters and citizens joined hands to observe the birth anniversary of the greatest Goan nationalist Dr Francis Luis Gomes.
While the gathering expressed unhappiness over the neglect by successive governments to honour Dr Francis Luis Gomes with a befitting state level function, it was the Independent MLA, who took a dig at the Parrikar government for doing nothing for a Goan nationalist when the party is all set to support a “Hindu nationalist” for the post of Prime Minister.
“Dr Francis Luis Gomes is one of the tallest Indian nationalist and devout Catholic. Despite being a Catholic, Dr Gomes was the tallest nationalist. His life and works shows this. It is highly condemnable that the Parrikar government has not recognised a nationalist Goan till date. I fail to understand why. May be, the government do not want to recognise nationalists belonging to other religions”, he wondered.
Former Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat said that freedom fighters have been commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr Francis Luis Gomes all these years and underlined the need to hold a state level function in honour of the great nationalist.
Incidentally, Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado took pride in saying that Dr Francis Luis Gomes hails from his Navelim constituency. When the media reminded him over the dilapidated condition of the house of Dr Gomes at Colmorod, Avertano said he has discussed the matter with the Chief Minister, who he said is open on working out a solution to the house tangle.
‘Dr Gomes was a multi-faceted personality. He was a freedom fighter, journalist, doctor, writer et al. He is one of the greatest Goans. He once said in the Portuguese Parliament that he comes from the land of the Mahabarata. We have to remember him and take his inspiration”, stated noted freedom fighters Gurunath Kelekar.
Former Margao Municipal Chairperson Savio Coutinho, who had initiated the process of acquisition of the house of Dr Francis Luis during his tenure, expressed his dismay that the great Goan nationalist is not remembered in a big way. And, he said the celebrations would have been more meaningful if this house, lying in shambles at Colmorod, was restored by the government after acquisition.
“Paying homage would be meaningful if his house is not given due attention by the government and restored”, he said, while appreciating the work of the freedom fighters in remembering Dr Gomes in front of the South Goa Communidade building.
