Team Herald
PANJIM: The tirade of Bharatiya Janata Party against the former prime minister late Jawaharlal continues as Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant today blaming India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for not giving proper care to Goa for its liberation from Portuguese.
“I feel that the then Prime Minister Nehru was responsible for Goa getting its freedom 14 years after the country’s Independence. If he had the political will, really cared for Goans, he would have got Goa free from the Portuguese rule early,” Sawant said in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik at the 72nd Army Day, ‘Know Your Army Mela’ organised by 2 Signal Training Centre at Campal Ground.
“Forget 1947, he should have at least thought about us (Goa) in 1950. Why did we have to suffer the Portuguese rule more?” he asked.
Goa was liberated in 1961 from 451 years of Portuguese rule.
Thanking the armed forces for their valuable contribution to liberate Goa from Portuguese, the chief minister said, “Goa got freedom after 14 years of India’s Independence and due to this people of Goa are lacking behind in the field of Military due to lack of adequate knowledge about the recruitment process in Military.”
He said that the event would enhance awareness and pride amongst the youth about the Army so that they opt for a career in Defence.
In his address, Naik lauded the role of the Armed Forces in propagating the ideas of secularism, selfless service and imbibing patriotic fervour amongst the youth.
He also appreciated the efforts of 2 Signal Training Centre for conducting the event and at the same time advised youth to join the Armed Forces.
Traditional Lejim and Malkhamb teams from Belgaum displayed their talents. A mini obstacle course and selfie corner were also setup for school children at the venue.
Local public and school/college students were very inquisitive and fascinated by the event and equipments display and various military activities that were displayed.
Sawant and Naik were received by Commandant 2 Signal Training Centre Brigadier, Sanjay Rawal while Major Pal Fernandes and Havaldar Pramod compered the function and proposed the vote of thanks.
