Today we observe the death anniversary of Goa’s first Chief Minister Dayanand Bandodkar. He assumed office on December 20,1963 and continued as Chief Minister till his sudden death on August 12, 1973. Bandodkar may have initially been for the merger of Goa with Maharashtra, but he respected the people’s verdict in that 1967 Opinion Poll and toiled with a vision and passion towards the all round development of Goa. Unlike many of today’s politicians who are self-centered, Bandodkar relentlessly raised and pursued issues concerning the backward, down-trodden, and neglected communities. Leaders of his integrity, honesty and commitment we may rarely see in today’s shoddy arena of political pygmies. It is so very distressing and agonizing to witness the continuing rampant destruction and devastation of Goa. With the hills and fields fast vanishing, our State is sadly by the day just getting further disfigured beyond recognition. Our youth need to be made aware of the very rich and invaluable contribution to Goa by our first chief minister who cannot be consigned as our forgotten hero.
