MARGAO: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday announced that the birth and death anniversaries of great historian Dr Francisco Luis Gomes will be recognised by notifying it at government level.
He made this announcement after unveiling Dr Gomes’ bronze statue at Navelim in the presence of Environment Minister Aleixo Sequiera and former Member of Parliament and chairman of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes Memorial Trust Luizinho Faleiro.
Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, Rachel Faleiro, Fr Gabriel Coutinho and several other dignitaries were also present.
Sawant also assured to look into the demand of preserving and protecting the dilapidated house of Dr Gomes at Navelim and announced full government support towards the project initiated by Dr Gomes Memorial Trust and led by Luizinho Faleiro.
“I am lucky to unveil the statue of a great historian, writer and economist. The history of Dr Gomes should be known to the students and generations to come,” he said.
“The government will notify the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Gomes, upon which the days will be marked with celebrations engaging school students and the general public,” Sawant said.
He said that Goa and Goans should feel proud of Dr Gomes who dreamed of a united nation.
“Dr Gomes was of the opinion that power should be transferred from classes to masses. He was one of the unsung heroes and should be known not only to Goans but to the whole nation,” the chief minister said.
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequiera said that throughout his life Dr Gomes spent his life towards creating a society-based on principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.
“During the short period of life, he campaigned against socio-economic injustices. He has left a rich legacy to Goa and Goans in different fields. What Goans need to learn from his legacy is to inculcate a habit of intense patriotism,” he added.
Former MP and Chairman of Dr Francisco Luis Gomes Memorial Trust Luizinho Faleiro said that the legacy of Dr Gomes is a matter of great pride to Goa and especially the people of Navelim.
“Dr Gomes was a great personality. He had a dream to make Goa beautiful and strong,” he stated.
Faleiro requested the CM to plan in celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Dr Gomes within the next five years.
He disclosed his future plans to complete the project in the name of Dr Gomes in Navelim and sought support from the government and the people.
MLA Ulhas Tuenkar and Fr Gabriel Coutinho also addressed the gathering.