the goan I network
MARGAO
Cuncolkars and people from all walks of life bid adieu to three-time former MP Shantaram Naik as his mortal remains were consigned to flames in his native village of Cuncolim on Sunday.
Shantaram’s son Archit lit the funeral pyre amidst a galaxy of political leaders from the state’s political spectrum as they paid rich tributes to the great son of Cuncolim, who not only made a mark in politics, but stood for certain values in politics.
In their condolences, people recalled Shantaram’s great contribution to the twin issues of Konkani and Goa attaining Statehood in the late 80s and his contribution to politics as a loyal Congressman.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in –charge of Goa, Dr Chella Kumar, who led the Congress party at the funeral, said Shantaram was a sincere and honest politician, saying the Congress has lost a loyal
leader.
“I had the opportunity to work with Shantaram on so many occasions, including the Karnataka election. He was a man of principles,” Dr Kumar said.
Leader of Opposition, Babu Kavlekar recalled Shantaram’s decision to quit the as GPCC chief following an appeal made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi to the veterans to make way for the old. “We were sitting together in Delhi when Rahul Gandhi made the appeal. Shantaram immediately told me of his decision to quit,” Babu recalled.
Freedom fighter Naguesh Karmali recalled the work done by the former MP to the freedom fighters and lauded his contribution for the Konkani language. Public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, who is Shantaram’s brother in law, said the former MP had stood for certain values in politics as evident by his decision to step down from the GPCC post to make way for the youth.
While recalling his great contribution to Konkani, noted Konkani writer, Pundalik Nayak said that Shantaram was the Konkani people’s representative in Delhi, saying that they used to call the former MP for any work related to Konkani in the national capital.
Senior journalist, Prakash Kamat described Shantaram as a dignified politician, adding “only a few such politicians are now left in Goa”.
Social activist Iris Rodrigues said Goa has lost a true Goemkar, a very honest, unassuming and loyal congressmen, even as Lawyer Cleofato Coutinho described Shantaram a “rare jewel” . “While politics has become a laboratory, Shantaram stood by principles,” he added.
Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias recalled how Shantaram joined in the protest against the power woes a week ago. Former Cuncolim Municipal Chairperson Ramesh Desai, Adv Anacleto Viegas, KBM president Chetan Acharya and many others, including GPCC President Girish Chodankar paid tributes to the former MP.
Union Minister Shripad Naik, former Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane, Ravi Naik, Subhas Velingkar, MLAs Michael Lobo, Dayanand Sopte, Nilkhant Halarnkar, ex-MLAs Rajan Naik and Dharma Chodankar were also present.
