On March 12, we observe the birth anniversary of Goa’s first Chief Minister Dayanand Bandodkar who assumed office on December 20,1963 and continued as Chief Minister till his sudden death on August 12, 1973. Affectionately referred to by all as ‘Bhausaheb’ he relentlessly raised and pursued issues concerning the backward, down-trodden, and neglected communities. He toiled with a vision and passion towards laying the foundations of Goa’s development which he very ably managed, including Daman and Diu with just two Ministers during his first term and later three. As a school student I had the privilege of interacting with Dayanand Bandodkar and I recollect with nostalgia witnessing those great debates in the Legislative Assembly and his pointed but witty replies. Dayanand Bandodkar dared to speak from his heart and always walked the talk. It is imperative that students in our schools and colleges today should be made aware of the very rich and invaluable contribution to Goa by Dayanand Bandodkar who cannot be consigned as our forgotten hero.
