Guv releases book on Raj Bhavan PANAJI: Governor Shivinder Singh Sidhu on Wednesday released "The Raj Bhavan, Goa," a book published by the government as part of its programme to raise awareness about the state's heritage.
Expressing happiness over the book's release, Sidhu said he had gone through the book's script on several occasions and found it "extremely interesting and absorbing". Sidhu praised former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, during whose tenure the book was first initiated. He also commended the support given to the book's publication by Parrikar's successor Pratapsing Rane and present chief minister Digambar Kamat. Sidhu also praised the book's script writer Mario Cabral e Sa. Sidhu said the book "reflects not only the historical and cultural facets of Goa, but also tastefully brings out the architectural glory and aesthetic grandeur of the magnificient Raj Bhavan. The book broadly dwells upon Goa's cultural and political gloriesancient, medieval and modernand gives a vivid account of the sprawling and evergreen Raj Bhavan by some eminent dignitaries who stayed there." Sidhu hoped the book would attract the curiosity and attention of people from various walks of life and that the it would be widely read and appreciated by students, scholars and all who love Goa. Chief minister Digambar Kamat, speaker Pratapsing Rane, cabinet ministers, secretaries and other dignitaries were also present at the book release at Raj Bhavan. In his address, Rane recalled his association with the Raj Bhavan since the last 37 years. "Sometimes to be sworn in as minister or chief minister and sometimes to submit my resignation as chief minister when my government came in minority," said Rane evoking polite laughter from the audience. Rane said the book was important as it would leavesomething of Goa to posterity. "Goa has many historic places and we need more books to provide information to tourists and people. We have the palace of Adil Shah which is undergoing renovations and the forts of Goa. We must presevere all these buildings as part of the heritage of Goa," Rane said. Chief minister Digamber Kamat said the Raj Bhavan is one of the oldest heritage structures in Goa and that the government would put all efforts to maintain Goa's heritage. Kamat said the Adil Shah palace is being renovated and will be converted into a centre for art and culture with a section to display Goa's liberation struggle. He said the government is also planning to publish another book on all eminent Goans who did Goa proud. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Goa/Guv-releases-book-on-Raj-Bhavan/articleshow/4699015.cms
