A memorial in honour of a freedom fighter spearheading a revolt against Portuguese rule in a remote part of Goa over 160 years ago should have been a forgone conclusion.
But with various State governments having forgotten to honour Sattari’s illustrious son, Deepaji Rane, the Sattari Itihas Sanvardhan Samittee (SISS) has now decided to undertake the task of building a memorial for Deepaji Rane at Valpoi.
Besides announcing its decision to build the memorial, the SISS at a recent meeting in Valpoi has also pledged to petition the government to name the Valpoi Community Health Centre in honour of Deepaji Rane.
The SISS has been encouraged with the growing support to the proposed memorial from various parts of Sattari taluka.
“The government of various political parties came and went in the State, but no government has taken the initiative to preserve the Nanus Fort at Valpoi,” SISS Coordinator Adv Shivaji Dessai told Herald.
“Worse still, the government even forgot to remember Sattari’s illustrious son and freedom fighter, Deepaji Rane, who started a revolt against Portuguese rule by using the Nanus Fort as a base on January 26, 1852. Although January 26 is also considered a milestone in Goa’s freedom struggle, we have failed to give due acknowledgment to Deepaji Rane,” Dessai said.
He informed that the SISS is now determined to build a memorial to Deepaji Rane at Valpoi.
“Various committees have already been formed to execute the work of building a statue and also to work to renovate and preserve the Nanus Fort, which is presently in deteriorating condition.”
“We have also appealed to the government to help us accomplish our dream. Even a miniature model of Deepaji Rane on a horse was kept open for public viewing during our recent public meeting.”
Dessai said support have come in from various quarters, including panchayats in Sattari, besides the Valpoi Municipal Council.
“Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar, historian Prajal Sakhardande and many other prominent persons have extended their support to our cause.”
Nagargao Sarpanch Vamanrao Dessai added, “A resolution was passed in the gram sabha of our panchayat to demand a memorial for Deepaji Rane at Valpoi. We support the SISS in this venture.”
Jivbarao Rane, sarpanch of Keri Panchayat, also confirmed that a similar resolution had also been passed in their Gram Sabha.
At a recent meeting in Valpoi, former deputy speaker Narahari Haldankar, Valpoi Municipal Council Chairperson Ramdas Shirodkar, Prof. Vinay Bapat, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar and others had highlighted the achievements of Deepaji Rane.
