OLD GOA
Stating that Gandhiji had accorded importance to cleanliness, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that cleanliness did not only mean keeping houses and surroundings clean, but to also to have a clean and non-corrupt administration.
“Today, we are celebrating the 146th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. By the time we reach his 150th birth anniversary, let us take a pledge to clean our thoughts, which in the real sense, will be a true homage to the father of the nation,” he added.
“Being a small place, Goa can be the first to lead the way,” he said.
Parsekar was speaking at the function organized by the Se Old Goa panchayat to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi jayanti near the Gandhi circle at Old Goa, on Friday.
Parsekar further said that cleanliness drives should not only be undertaken during Gandhi Jayanti but throughout the year, as is being exhorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Further, Parsekar said that Gandhiji was an inspiration to the world as well due to which October 2 is celebrated as international day of non-violence.
“Gandhiji gave us freedom from the British rule through non-violence means, a reason why he is hailed as an ambassador of truth and peace,” he added.
“Gandhiji was a common man who believed in high thinking and simple living. He was against smoking, drinking, and untouchability,” Parsekar informed, while exhorting the gathering to imbibe these values in their lives.
“Let us all contribute to make Goa and surroundings clean, and at the same time we must keep ourselves clean and let us have a clean administration in the state of Goa. Let us take a pledge to keep and maintain cleanliness and contribute in making clean Goa by the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.”
Parsekar also remembered former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose birth anniversary was also celebrated on Thursday, and stated that his decision to praise the soldiers and the farmers achieved tremendous success to the country.
“India produced two great personalities and we should follow their paths,” he added.
Earlier, Parsekar led the state in paying homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi by offering floral tributes at the Gandhi Chowk.
Others who paid homage included Union Minister for Ayush Sripad Naik, Cumbarjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, Panjim MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar, former MLAs Nirmala Sawant and Dharma Chodankar, Se Old Goa sarpanch Vinayak Phadte, Chief Secretary R K Srivastava, Collector (North) Nila Mohanan, Addl Collector Swapnil Naik and others.
Pandit Siddharth Bhavan, Fr Savio Barretto and Maulana Mohammad Rafiq recited verses from the Bhagwad Geeta, Bible and the Koran respectively.
Prachala Amonkar, a well-known vocalist from Kala Academy presented “bhajans” at the function, which was attended by a large number of school children.
Later, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries attended the function organised by Se Old Goa village panchayat to celebrate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, late Lal Bahadur Shastri, at the panchayat premises and offer floral tributes.
Director of Information & Publicity Arvind Bugde, Superintendent of Police (North) Umesh Gaonkar, SDPO Panaji Serafin Dias, SDO and Deputy Collector Gourish Shankwalkar, DySP (Traffic) Dharmesh Angle and others were present on the occasion.
