MARGAO
After inclusion of the historic 1583 Cuncolim revolt in the education curriculum and the revolt recognised at the Delhi War Memorial, the Goa government has set in motion the process for the renovation and beautification of the Cuncolim Chieftain’s Memorial.
Officials of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) along with Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Cuncolim Municipal Chairperson Landry Mascarenhas, president of the Cuncolim Chieftain’s Memorial Trust Oscar Martins and trustees descended at the Chieftain’s Memorial on Tuesday to take stock of the ground reality and plan for the grand renovation of the memorial.
The Chieftain’s Trust president and the members, including retired SP, Sammy Tavares and others suggested to the delegation that the government should design the beautification plan befitting the memorial.
After the inspection, the Opposition leader told the media that the Cuncolim Chieftain’s Memorial occupies an important place in Goa’s history, with the memorial symbolising the first revolution against colonial powers in India. “I had requested Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take up the beautification and renovation work on the Chieftain’s Memorial. The Chief Minister had agreed to the suggestion after my Private Member’s resolution on inclusion of the 1583 Cuncolim Revolt was unanimously adopted on the floor of the House,” Yuri recalled.
When asked whether the beautified Chieftain’s Memorial will be ready for commissioning by July 15, the day when Cuncolkars commemorate the Chieftain’s Day when the Portuguese had assassinated the Chieftains from Cuncolim at the Assolna Fort under the guise of inviting them for a peace treaty.
Cuncolim civic chief Landry Mascarenhas recalled that the Cuncolim Chieftain’s memorial was renovated and beautified last by former MLA and Minister Joaquim Alemao.
