MARGAO
A month after the historic midnight vigil, which brought thousands of people to the ancient capital of Goa on November 1-2, to oppose the three linear projects, Chandor played host to a religio-cultural “magnem” (prayer services) to the Gods late Saturday evening.
People joined members of the United Against Coal, spearheading the agitation against the linear projects in the twin villages of Chandor and Guirdolim, to invoke the blessings of the Almighty in the fight against the three linear projects thrust on the people by the central and state governments.
The programme, organised under the banner of Goyant Kollso Naka, began with people paying respects to the heroes of Opinion Poll, Dr Jack de Sequeira and Shabu Desai, with noted historian Prajal Sakhardande, Abhijit Prabhudesai and others paying tributes to these great leaders.
Historian Sakhardande said he has especially come down to Chandor to participate in the prayer service and to express his solidarity with the villagers agitating against the controversial projects.
“People of Goa will never allow the central and state governments to blacken the face of green Goa. MPT has plans to hand over the 56 kms coastline to private players to destroy our beautiful place. People of Goa had on November 1-2 showed the government their power, but the latter is yet to scrap the projects,” he said.
Saying Mollem and other projects funded by the central government will destroy Goa, the historian said the prayer service organized by the people of Chandor and Guirdolim is a clear signal to the government to scrap these projects.
In his address, local villager Joy D’Silva said the great freedom fighter, T B Cunha, had lit the flame for Liberation of Goa from the Portuguese regime, Chandor has again led the movement against coal hub and coal transportation and plans to chop down thousands of trees at Mollem to protect the state and its people.
Vikas Bhagat, who has been in the forefront of the ongoing agitation, paid his respects to Dr Jack de Sequeira and Shabu Desai, saying the two have been an inspiration for the present generation of Goans to wage the battle against the government.
A cultural programme was staged by youngsters, while local youth played music. The programme was held at the market square, with the historical monuments playing a beautiful background, finally culminating with the holy “magnem” held in a traditional manner, keeping in tune with the rich cultural heritage consisting of the glorious days of the erstwhile capital of Goa during the Kadamba Empire.
