PANAJI
The Department of Political Science, Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, in collaboration with the Department of Archives, Government of Goa, organised a One-Day State-Level Symposium on “Revisiting Political History of Goa: Past Trajectories and Contemporary Implications” at Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji, on September 28. The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Prof (Dr) Purnakala Samant, Principal of the College. Prof (Dr) Seema P. Salgaonkar, Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Political Science, elaborated on the theme of the symposium. The inaugural session was attended by Rohidas Raghunath Naik Dessai, popularly known as Daad Dessai, President of the Goa, Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters Association, as the Guest of Honour. Professor Peter Ronald deSouza, noted political scientist and former Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at Goa University, delivered the keynote address.
The first session examined the role and evolution of the press during the pre-Liberation period. Pandurang Gaonkar spoke on the “Evolution of Press in Goa,” while Prof Neeta Khandpekar examined the “Role of the Press in Pre-Liberation Goa.” The second session explored the role of socio-political and revolutionary organisations in Goa’s freedom struggle. Prajal Sakhardande spoke on the “Role of Revolutionary Organisations during the Pre-Liberation Period,” while Dr Seema Risbud examined the “Role of Organisations during the Pre-Liberation Period: A Gandhian Perspective.” Dr Aditi Rane brought attention to perspectives often less represented in conventional narratives through her presentation, “Revisiting the Subaltern Voices of Goa’s Freedom Struggle.” The third session focused on the Portuguese legal framework and its contemporary relevance in Goa. Shukr Usgaonkar initiated the discussion by examining aspects of land laws and family laws under the Portuguese legal framework. Prof Sushila Mendes spoke on “Portuguese Laws and Their Implications for Women,” while Advocate Yatish Naik examined the “Portuguese Codes and Their Contemporary Implications for Goa.” The valedictory session was graced by Padma Shri Libia Lobo Sardesai as the Chief Guest.
