Vijaykumar Kopre
CUNCOLIM: “The history and legacy of Cuncolim must be included in text books. I will put forth this demand to the government,” said MLA Rajan Naik, speaking on the 432nd anniversary of the Cuncolim Revolt.
DMA Elvis Gomes, Chairperson of the Cuncolim Municipal Council Lendry Mascarenhas, Chief Officer Pandharinath Naik and other dignitaries were present as well.
The dignitaries in attendance paid a floral tribute to the sixteen chieftains who laid down their lives for Swarajya and Swadharma. Naik went on to state that he raised the issue in the Assembly three years ago and the government promised to set up a committee to the study the issue. Nothing, however, has come of it yet. “I will pursue the matter with the Parsekar government and will make sure that the revolt against the foreign regime gets due recognition from the government.
The MLA complimented the Chieftains Trust and the CMC for working together to put history into perspective. Gomes noted that this revolt was the first of its kind against the foreign regime and it taught us two lessons – to fight back against injustice as our forefathers did in 1583 and to be alert and not trust anybody. Gomes also extended his support to the CMC and the Trust.
Sister Emma Noronha said that it is a sorry state that the government hesitates to recognize true history. “It is injustice to history and also to the first war that was fought in the country. The government cannot ignore the revolt as it was instrumental in Goa’s liberation movement. There are many other incidents which aren’t included in text books. Scholars must research and write about such events,” she said.
On the occasion, former Chief Secretary of Goa, Dr JC Almeida was awarded the Cuncolim Bhushan award, Shripad Dessai and Oscar Gracias were awarded the Cuncolim Shree award, former international footballer Elvy Fernandes was awarded the Cuncolim Jyoti award and former principal of Cuncolim College, Dr DL Naik received the Cuncolim Mitra award. Additionally, meritorious students from SSC, HSSC and Degree College were also felicitated.
