MARGAO
Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho took the platform of the Goa Revolution Day from the historic Lohia Maidan to make a fervent plea to the people of Goa to shun negativity and join hands to take the State forward.
In an apparent reference to the insider-outsider debate in the State, Mauvin also took the opportunity to remind Goans that the friendship between a leader from Bihar, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and Goa’s very own, Dr Juliao Menezes laid the foundation for the State’s liberation from the Portuguese regime, pointing out that everyone participated in Goa’s liberation struggle irrespective of religion, region, caste or creed.
Addressing the freedom fighters, citizens and school children at the beautified Lohia Maidan on Saturday morning, Mauvin urged the people to think and introspect what is good and bad for the State before opposing anything. “Any government may be in place in the State, but when people oppose something for the sake of opposition, there is bound to be confusion. This should not happen. People should think carefully before opposing anything,” he said, while urging people to take inspiration from leaders such as Dr Lohia and the freedom fighters for sacrificing their lives for the good of the society.
Apparently referring to the insider-outsider debate, Mauvin said the message from the liberation movement is simple, that people, irrespective of religion, region caste and creed had participated in the struggle to liberate the State from the Portuguese regime,” he said.
He added: “Dr Lohia from Bihar and his friend from Goa, Dr Juliao Menezes took the lead against the Portuguese, laying the foundation for the liberation of the State. The very essence of their friendship and unity showed that everyone had participated in Goa’s liberation movement. Dr Lohia did not think why he should participate in the liberation movement since he was from Bihar. But, he joined hands with his friend from Goa, Dr Menezes to lay the foundation for the liberation movement. We have to think positive for the State’s development.”
He lamented over the poor turnout of citizens for the programme, saying other than the school children, there are hardly any citizens around participating in the function.
The Industries Minister along with Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, Navelim MLA, Margao Municipal Chairperson Deepali Sawal, District Collector Jyoti Kumari, district Police chief, SP Abhishek Dhania, freedom fighters, councillors paid homage at the martyr’s memorial at the Lohia Maidan.
