Team Herald
MARGAO: The Silver Jubilee edition of Goa Yuva Mahotsav (GYM) was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday, who used the occasion to urge the youth to be more proactive on issues related to environment and society.
“Speak about all that you like and dislike, we won’t silence your voices. We want to listen to you. I have become the CM for the betterment of Goa and I am ready to take your criticism positively. Topics related to our environment that need to be protected also need your discussion and deliberations along with issues surrounding Konkani and Goan culture. Goa needs leadership not just political but social also,” he said.
The CM also congratulated Konkani Bhasha Mandal (KBM) for organising GYM. “I wish that you will continue and to plan for the next 25 years,” said Sawant. He also agreed to look into the request of KBM’s president for enhancement of grants. KBM also appealed to the CM for making the event a State festival.
Furthermore, he also made an assurance to appoint a full-time director for the official language department. “Former CM (late) Manohar Parrikar had put maximum efforts for giving justice to the Official Language Department. Konkani language will get its due attention and support” said Sawant.
The CM also emphasised that the Mopa International airport will be the best thing for Goan youth as it will generate employment.
Other speakers such as Pallavi Dempo said, “25 years ago Yuva Mahotsav happened in Margao and I feel like it’s come back to its house.” .
KBM president Chetan Acharya added, “For the first five years, GYM was held in Margao and then all over the State. The festival has gone all over Goa in all talukas. There are many ideas behind the Yuva Mahotsav and uniting the youth force is one of it.
MMC Chairperson Pooja Naik said, “We shouldn’t forget the sacrifices of life that were given by the Konkani movement workers and martyrs. Konkani will keep Goemkarponn alive and promote it further.”
On a similar note, Pravin Kadle from the Tata Group spoke about how the mother tongue can be the cornerstone for a successful future generation.
“It is my responsibility to make this GYMsuccessful as it has been my foundation for making me what I am today.,” said Vallabh Barve, GYM’s Organising President.
