It was indeed disheartening to read in the newspapers how rare Portuguese books and other important literature material at Margao Municipal Library, which forms a part of Goan heritage, are being destroyed due to neglect and mishandling. We need to preserve these for us and the future generations as a treasure of our culture and history. This can only happen if the importance of these is inculcated in the minds of our children and people to preserve them carefully. Along with Goan land, environment, traditional arts and culture, the conservation and protection of these books are of paramount importance. Let’s not just ignore this by saying it’s a Portuguese thing, but look at it from the perspective of history and what we can learn and pass on as a rich heritage. We hope Fundacao Oriente will come forward along with our Directorate of Archives and Archaeology to protect these rare treasures before they are lost forever.
