Kamat urges youth to preserve identity of Goa

PONDA, JAN 15
In a bid to urge Goans to preserve their identity, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Saturday offered them a one-point commandment — I shall not sell.
He was addressing the inaugural function of the two-day Yuva Mahotsav at MIBK High School ground in Khandepar.
He requested people in the State to preserve their identity, land and heritage so that it would not be usurped by outsiders who could change the face of the State.
Inviting the youth to strengthen the fabric of the country, Kamat said: “Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is trying to make India a superpower and the youth should support his mission.”
Emhpasising the importance of education, the chief minister said all citizens should be educated to make India a super power.
“The Goa government has decided to achieve 100% literacy in the State,” he said.
Commenting on the need to electrify all houses in the State, Kamat assured to provide solar power to those houses still deprived of power supply.
“During this golden jubilee of Goa’s liberation, we will strive to provide electricity to all houses in the State,” he said.
The 16th Yuva Mahotsav, jointly organised by the Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) and Ponda Rotaract Club, got underway on Saturday.
In his address, Home Minister Ravi Naik reiterated his attachment to the Konkani language.
“I had taken the cabinet decision to put Konkani language in the Eighth Schedule and I had also taken part in the agitation to ensure that Goa was a separate state. Now, it is up to the the youth to develop this language to greater heights,” he said.
KBM President Prashant Naik criticised those opposing the road-widening project in the State.
“Accidents are on the rise due to narrow roads and the youth should help the government to go ahead with its plans to widen the roads in the State.
Curti Sarpanch Suraj Naik was also present on the occasion.
During the two-day meet, a number of programmes will be organised for the youth of various schools and clubs in the State.