MARGAO: Asvin Chandru, South Goa District Collector, declared on Monday that beginning next year, a grand event will be held at the State level in Navelim to pay tribute to Dr Francisco Luis Gomes.
The event aims to celebrate his legacy and inspire future generations to uphold his values of intellectualism, cultural pride, and civic engagement.
The South Goa District Collector also revealed that in September, on the death anniversary of Dr Gomes, the district administration will be coordinating various commemorative programmes.
Former Member of Rajya Sabha Luizinho Faleiro said that the state government should adopt a more expansive approach to honouring the esteemed Goan figure, transcending mere commemorative events and ensuring that his contributions are widely recognised by the new generation.
On Monday, the South Goa district administration organised a special event at Navelim and Margao to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes, in collaboration with the Dr Francisco Luis Gomes Memorial Trust. Speaking to reporters at Navelim, Collector Asvin Chandru described Dr Gomes as a ‘great intellectual’.
“Dr Gomes was among the first to talk about India’s freedom. He fought against
discrimination and was staunchly opposed to suppression,” he added, highlighting Gomes’ role in advocating for India’s independence and social justice.
said that starting from next year; the district collector’s office will organise a larger function at Navelim to commemorate Dr Francisco Luis Gomes’ contributions.
Speaking to reporters at the event, former MP Luizinho Faleiro said, “I have neither witnessed any good programmes by the government nor by the public. There should have been a celebration. The State should take a call to mark this day.” He added that we cannot forget the sacrifices given for the Statehood of Goa.
“It is very sad that the younger generation don’t even know about the Statehood of Goa”, said Faleiro.
