MARGAO: Goa is about to witness the realization of a dream project, as work on the first phase of the proposed amphitheatre and multipurpose hall in memory of the great thinker and advocate of India’s freedom movement, Dr Francisco Luis Gomes, is set to begin in Navelim. Senior political leader and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Luizinho Faleiro, has been instrumental in conceiving and championing this tribute to the illustrious son of the soil.
MP Faleiro’s tireless efforts have brought the project to the attention of the Central government, ensuring that Dr. Gomes is recognized during India’s commemoration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Referring to Dr. Gomes’ immense contribution to India’s struggle for freedom, Faleiro expressed his pride at being born in Navelim, calling it a ‘cradle of intellectuals’.
Faleiro believes that the world must be made aware of Dr Gomes’ works. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, along with several other senior leaders of the Central government, was astonished to learn that Dr Gomes had espoused the concept of India’s freedom long before the popular launch of the freedom movement.
The first phase of the proposed project will utilize funds from the MPLAD scheme, with Rs 25 lakh already deposited in the Goa government’s treasury from Faleiro’s MP grant, and South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha offering another Rs 25 lakh from his MPLAD funds.
The first phase will include the construction of an Amphitheatre and compound wall for the Dr Francisco Memorial Trust in Navelim, followed by a multipurpose Hall, as funds become available. Chief Architect Marwin Gomes and his team at the PWD have prepared the designs for the project. MP Faleiro had proposed the project as a memorial for Dr Gomes to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in Parliament, where he later brought the issue to the attention of PM Narendra Modi, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Home Minister Amit Shah. He emphasized Dr Gomes’ extensive expertise as a physician, writer, historian, economist, political scientist, and Member of Parliament from Goa in Portugal.
“Dr Gomes fought for the creation of a society based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and throughout his life campaigned against socio-economic injustices committed in the colonies,” said Faleiro. He had previously moved a resolution before the Central government to construct a museum complex in Navelim as a fitting memorial to Dr Gomes, but the motion was adjourned.
