OLD GOA
A writer, a historian, a priest, a folk artist and others came out in support of the fast satyagraha, even as it completed eighteen days on Saturday.
Extending his support to the agitation, noted writer and president of Writers Association of Goa N Shivdas stated that temples, churches and mosques built by Goa’s forefathers need to be preserved for future generations.
“When the government came out with a statement on the structure, we thought it would be demolished. However, it now appears that the government is only giving lip service to the people,” Shivdas said.
“They think that people will come here, agitate for a while and then forget because public memory is short,” he pointed out.
“I appeal to the government not to take Goans for granted and not to test our patience, and to demolish the structure at the earliest. If need arises, I as a president of the Writers Association of Goa assure that I along with my colleagues will also physically participate in the agitation,” Shivdas informed.
Historian Sanjeev Sardessai said though he cannot be present physically he is supporting the agitation of the people spiritually.
“I am with them spiritually though I cannot be present physically. It is my personal feeling that this structure should not be allowed here. Also, the foundation should not be allowed to stay as ten years from now, they will say that the foundation was there and they will reconstruct the structure,” Sardessai opined, while demanding that it needs to be scrapped right from the base. “Let us not compromise on this,” he added.
Folk artist Kanta Gaude opined that Goa’s forefathers preserved the cultural heritage for us. “Wherever I travelled, be it Europe, America, Africa or Asia, it dawned on me that Goa is very popular all over the world. It is because our culture and unity are known all over for which our forefathers should be credited for,” he stated.
Stating that what the government has done is a mistake, a sin, Gaude urged the government and authorities concerned to correct the same by demolishing the structure.
“It is sad that we, Goans, have to do satyagraha to save our heritage. Such structures cannot be allowed in precincts of a holy place like Old Goa,” Gaude informed and urged that the peace and unity of Goans should not be disturbed.
Chicalim Parish Priest Fr Bolmax Pereira said he has come to extend support to the agitation as a Goan and he is hurt over the way the structure has been allowed to be built in a heritage precinct.
“Why is the government acting deaf and dumb when being fully aware that the structure does not have legal status? How long will the government test our patience?” Fr Pereira questioned and further posed whether the government wants to divide Goans on the lines of religion.
“But here, we have come united as Goans setting aside our religions and political affiliations,” Fr Pereira said and appealed to the government to bring down the structure at the earliest.
“We are not going to stop our fast satyagraha till the structure is razed,” he concluded.
Captain Viriato Fernandes said powerful people have used their connections to destroy Goa all over, not only in Old Goa.
“This structure serves as a perfect example which shows how all laws have been bent to support such powerful people,” Fernandes stated and informed that Goans have started a revolution in the form of the satyagraha, which will be successful.
