PANAJI
Goan freedom fighter Ramakant Damodar Kesarkar, 84, passed away on Friday morning.
Survived by two sons and two daughters, Kesarkar had played a significant role in the liberation movement of Goa, and was active in the movement for seven years, since 1954.
His body was cremated at the Mathgram Hindu Sabha cemetery in Margao, in the presence of the Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, freedom fighter Vaman Prabhugavkar, Avinash Shirodkar among others, who paid their last respects to the deceased.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant too offered his condolences on the demise of Kesarkar, saying he will always be remembered for his contribution to Goa’s freedom struggle.
Born in 1937, Kesarkar became an active member in Goa's liberation in 1954 while he was still a student and fought for the liberation alongside Urselin Almeida and Vishnu Kesarkar.
He also participated in the Satyagraha movement in Margao on August 15, 1955 along with Anand Bhise, Vishnu Kesarkar, Shashi Bondre and Mohan Sawal. He was arrested by the police and detained for two days.
Kesarkar was active in this liberation struggle till 1961. He used to attend strategic camps organised by Peter Alvarez at Angadi Karwar to plan for the movement.
When Portuguese police found out about his intentions, they raided his house four times to arrest him. However, he could not be apprehended as he stayed underground to avoid arrest.
