Assurances given by Assembly panel will be pursued: Speaker

the goan I networkrMARGAO r rSawant was addressing a function organised by the Cuncolim Chieftains Committee at Cuncolim on Saturday after paying tributes to the 16 village Chieftains who were massacred by the Portuguese on July 15, 1583. r“I am aware that when then MLA Vishnu Wagh had raised the issue of introducing the 1583 Cuncolim revolt in the school text books, it was decided that a panel be formed to study the matter by a panel of experts. rI will pursue the decision now, so that the sentiments of the people of Cuncolim is taking to its logical conclusion,” Dr Sawant said. rThe Speaker praised the people of Cuncolim for their valiant fight against the Portuguese regime and urged them to maintain unity and brotherhood. rNoted historian Prajal Sakhardande said that the Cuncolim revolt against the Portuguese was the first revolt against colonial powers in entire Asia and stressed on the need to document the historical revolt for posterity. rRajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik called for renewed efforts to get the 1583 revolt in the school text books, while paying rich tributes to the 16 Chieftains who laid down their lives for freedom. rCuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias called for unit amongst the people of Cuncolim, while paying tributes to the freedom fighters. rOn the occasion, Shantaram was felicitated at the hands of Speaker Dr Pramod Sawant. rProminent five personalities from the town were also felicitated for their contribution to the village. Secondary, higher secondary school and college students, who had excelled in the recent examinations were also felicitated on the occasion.