MARGAO: Even as Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant felicitated widow of brave Sardar Karnail Singh in Ambala, Haryana who had attained martyrdom at Patradevi on August 15, 1955, while fighting for the liberation of Goa, a look in another direction would be comforting – the dilapidated state of Goa’s own freedom fighter parliamentarian, writer and social worker Dr Francisco Luis Gomes’ ancestral house.
As Goa observes the 153rd death anniversary of the noted son of the soil today, Friday September 30, people of Navelim and Goans in general are pained to see his ancestral house left in ruins. Dr Gomes’ house is in very pathetic condition at Colmorod, Navelim and lies in ruins. People are of strong opinion that none of the political leaders are serious about preserving the house.
Taking serious note of the issue, recently Rajya Sabha MP Luizinho Faleiro had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for construction of a central museum complex as a fitting tribute to this great son of soil at Navelim, his birthplace.
The MP had moved a resolution during the last monsoon session of the Rajya Sabha urging the Government of India to construct the museum complex in Navelim, where land has been especially reserved for the purpose.
At the very least the National Highway which runs the length of Goa if not right up to Punjab can be named after him for his call for national freedom before anyone else.
Savio Coutinho, one of the local leaders constantly urging concerned authorities to preserve Dr Gomes’ ancestral house, told Herald that what hurts the most is that a house of great personality is being left in ruins and nobody is serious on the issue.
“Since 2009 we have been consistently raising the need to preserve this piece of historical significance. I had even initiated the process for acquisition of this structure and the land surrounding it when I was the Chairperson of Margao Municipality,” he informed.
Francisco Barretto, a local resident said that it was a proud moment for everyone in 2009 when the Margao Municipal Council proposed to restore the residence of late Dr Francisco Luis Gomes.
“But even after 13 long years, no positive changes are seen. Contrarily, the condition of this structure is deteriorating year after year,” he added.
Dr S A Sakoor, Principal, Posh English High School, Colmorod was also sad to see the pathetic condition of Dr Gomes’ house.
“It has been our long pending dream of having this place of historical significance being turned into a heritage site. Our teachers though point out to the dilapidated structure as the students are taught about Dr Francisco Luis Gomes, but the expression on the faces of the students seeing its state today is very disheartening,” he stated.
