Azad Maidan in Panaji is a very significant and historical venue. This public Square in Goa’s capital has witnessed the gathering of citizens for decades, enabling them to voice their views, demands and aspirations over a wide range of issues. From our 1979 student agitation for 50% bus concession, to the demand to recognise Konkani as the official language of Goa, to the agitation by Goa Bachao Abhiyan for the scrapping of that infamous Regional plan, Azad Maidan has witnessed it all. It is therefore imperative that Azad Maidan be kept free from commercial activity so that this only remaining free lung in the city is left for the public voice to be expressed. In 1985, the then Panjim Municipal Council (now CCP) had outrageously leased out Azad Maidan to the Delhi based All India Stall Holders Association to run a sale exhibition for eight long months, which possibly would have been further extended. As this was unacceptable, I had to move a petition before the Collector and District Magistrate pleading that Azad Maidan being one of the few lungs of the city, is left free for public use. Due to intense political pressure, the then Collector courageously directed the exhibitors to immediately vacate Azad Maidan which was later upheld by the High Court who the exhibitors had moved.
