SANGUEM
Leaders of the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj have urged the government to fulfil its assurances to the community, while stressing the need for unity and greater involvement of youth in social and economic development.
Priol MLA Govind Gaude, speaking as the chief guest at the 64th anniversary celebration of the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj at the Sanguem Municipal Council hall, said community leaders must be fearless and prepared to face difficult situations while pursuing their goals.
Gaude questioned the government’s failure to construct a Tribal Bhavan despite repeated assurances.
“If the government cannot construct a Tribal Bhavan, how will it deliver justice to the community?” he asked, urging the government to fulfil its commitments instead of making assurances.
He said the community had sacrificed the lives of two youths while fighting for its rights and warned that the movement sparked at Kranti Maidan could grow into a larger agitation. He also called upon community members to take the message of awareness to every household.
Gaude urged the youth to have faith in the organisation and carry forward the responsibility of maintaining community unity. Calling upon them to follow the example of Eklavya, he also issued a veiled warning that the community would not remain patient indefinitely.
UTTA organisation president and former minister Prakash Velip said the community had produced several prominent leaders who had contributed to Goa’s development. He said the younger generation must adopt positive thinking and work towards making the community an ideal one.
Velip pointed out that UTTA’s 12 demands were yet to be fulfilled and said the issue needed serious consideration. He urged youngsters to look beyond government employment and establish their own businesses to generate jobs for others. He also called upon women to come together and take up entrepreneurial activities.
Vishwas Gaude said the community had been celebrating its anniversary for several years and had developed in various fields through the vision and efforts of its senior members. He appealed to community members to support one another instead of pulling each other down.
On the political front, he urged members to extend support to community candidates contesting elections rather than creating obstacles for them.
Suryakant Gaude also appealed to members to set aside personal differences and work together for the benefit of future generations.
Adv. Anand Gaonkar welcomed the gathering.
During the programme, several distinguished members were felicitated by MLA Govind Gaude with a shawl, coconut and mementoes. Those honoured included Premanand Mhalgo Velip (Canacona), Premanand Ghadi (Surla-Pali), Rohidas Deu Bonbagkar (Betoda), Rohidas Vishnu Gaonkar (Murmune), Vasudev Bondinkar (Rivona), Chandrakant Shaba Gaonkar (Valshem Bhati), Dhanu Gaude (Madkai) and Malu Velip (Quepem).
Prakash Gaonkar compered the programme, Anil Gaonkar introduced the guests and Nanu Bandolkar proposed the vote of thanks.
