the goan I network
MARGAO
Asserting that Goa will never forget the immense contribution made by Dr Jack de Sequeira to preserve the state’s identity during the historic Opinion Poll, Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat on Sunday announced that the Congress will install the leader’s statue at the Goa Assembly complex if the people of Goa bless the party with a clear mandate.
Kamat took the platform of the Dalgado Konknni Akademi to take a dig at those trying to politicize the issue in the Margao Municipal Council.
Without taking the name of Goa Forward Party, Kamat went on to say that it would actually be an insult to Dr Jack Sequeira if someone tries to sideline rules and regulations and get into an illegal act under the pretext of giving recognition to a great Goan purely to gain political mileage.
“Goans have never and will never oppose recognition to Dr Jack Sequeira or any other prominent Goan. But we must ensure that the proposals are approved by following proper procedures and without violating any laws,” he said, while speaking as Chief Guest at the Dalgado awards presentation ceremony at Ravindra Bhavan here on Sunday.
The Opposition Leader said he checked with his group of councillors in the Margao civic body over the controversy surrounding Dr Sequeira’s statue. “Our councillors told me they have not opposed the statue, but the procedure that was adopted for the task,” he said, adding that his councillors have assured of even passing a new resolution in support of the statue after complying with due formalities.
Kamat complimented Dalgado Konknni Akademi for its noteworthy work to promote literature in Romi Konkani and also recognise contributions of various Goans is social and cultural fields.
He said that Dalgado awards have attained a status now and the recipients feel proud of being presented with the same. He assured to continue his support for DKA.
Kamat made a special mention of senior citizen Elizabeth who was holding the umbrella over all the awardees and said that the young generation should learn how to respect art and culture. He also sang few lines of “Ami Goemkar” with singer Oluv and praised him for his outstanding singing.
DKA president Tomazinho Cardozo thanked Kamat for his support and made a special mention of grants to the Akademi by him after making budgetary provisions during his tenure as the Chief Minister.
Cardozo said Kamat was the one and only Chief Minister who gave maximum support to Romi Konkani and tiatr.
Remembering the naming of the main auditorium of Ravindra Bhavan as Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Cardozo said that tiatr and Dalgado fraternity will never forget Kamat’s help and support.
The DKA honoured Isidore Dantas, RBS Komarpant, Kenneth Zuzarte, Ramanand Raikar, Aurelio Viegas, Soccoro Rebello, Brenda Menezes with Dalgado Awards 2019 presented at the hands of Digambar Kamat. DKA Vice President Fr Conceicao D’Silva welcomed, while Vincy Quadros proposed the vote of thanks. Treasurer of DKA Celso Fernandes was also present on the dais.
