Today (December 19, 2020), Goa celebrates 60 years of Liberation from Portuguese rule. A year-long programme schedule has been announced by the government for which the state has sought funding of Rs 100 crore from the Centre. However, it is possible that the day has very little significance for today’s generation for whom it may be merely a public holiday. Poor people in the state for whom what is more important is to have a square meal a day, may not even be aware of the historical importance of the day. What they seek is liberation from poverty which has been augmented by the pandemic. In this context, it is reassuring to note that the Sangolda-based ‘Food Bank For The Poor’ is attempting to provide 5,000 meals to the homeless on Goa Liberation Day. It is learned that a team of volunteers will be visiting street children, children in orphanages, people in shelter homes, senior citizens in old-age homes and HIV patients to provide them with meals. This must be considered as a symbolic gesture to liberate poor people from hunger on Goa’s Liberation Day. This is a noble move by the Sangolda-based organisation and needs to be appreciated. It should also draw the attention of the government towards the marginalized section of the society while drawing out the year-long programme.
