The Goa Forward Party has rightly decided to observe the 51st anniversary of the historic Opinion Poll on January 16 this year with an ‘Asmitai Zagor' at Lohia Maidan, Margao. Also the resolution to install a statue of Dr. Jack de Sequeira at the State Legislative Assembly Complex at Porvorim is a welcome announcement that will be received by one and all enthusiastically. It is expected that Vijai Sardesai will pursue this issue so as to realize the long cherished gratitude to the Father of the Opinion Poll, Dr. Jack de Sequeira for his relentless pursuit to maintain Goa's unique identity. Also welcome is the fact that the GFP has decided to make the Opinion Poll a part of Goa's history by including it in the history text books, an essential and the only referendum in free India's history. However, it is to be suggested that at the ‘Asmitai Zagor' a resolution should be passed so that a statue of Dr. Jack de Sequeira may be installed at Salcete, preferably at Fatorda, the cradle of the GFP, since saxticars overwhelmingly voted for Goa, Daman and Diu to preserve its unique identity. Crowd funding may be suggested to raise funds for erection of a statue at Salcete which may be discussed at the ‘Asmitai Zagor'. The GFP will have done yeoman service if this idea can be implemented successfully and achieves fruition. Deepak Dhavlikar of the MGP has also proposed to seek support for the installation of the statue of Dr. Jack de Sequeira at the new Assembly Complex at Porvorim.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
