This refers to the editorial “Wiping out traces of Portuguese era an absurd idea”, while no politician in Goa can fill in the shoes of late CM Manohar Parrikar, the current CM Pramod Sawant has etched a name for himself and has emerged as the strongest politician in the state. By citing his old theme, the CM wishes to erase traces of Portuguese rule in the State. According to him the Portuguese rulers of Goa had destroyed hundreds of temples and it was time such past wrongs were corrected.
Though the injustices of the Portuguese colonial rule are understandable, the amalgamation of Portuguese and local Goan cultures continues to thrive in society in the form of cuisine to festivals and architecture. The Churches and Convents of Goa even enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status which make Goa unique and draws international tourists to this beautiful state earning substantial revenue for the state. In fact the hon’ble CM has been trying to woo Portugal and is even striving to ink a MoU on tourism and IT with Lisbon. Discontinuing Portuguese legacy in Goa will certainly not go down well with Goa-Portugal relations today.
