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Freedom fighters association opposes Indo-Portuguese cultural extravaganza
PANAJI: The Goa Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters Association has demanded
withdrawal of the third edition of the Semana Da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa
(Goa), which is scheduled to be held from October 19 to November 21.
The event will showcase Indian and Portuguese culture in the form of
art, cinema, music, cuisine, literature and more.
The freedom fighters association argues that the event is promoting
colonial Portuguese culture. Mr Nagesh Karmali, the president of the
association while briefing media said, “We are warning them to stop such
activities as through this festival, a pro-Portuguese lobby is being
created and the Goan society is being divided.”
Mr Karmali also pointed out that during this festival, a
photo-exhibition showcasing Goa’s pre-liberation period will be held.
“They should show photos how freedom fighters were tortured during the
Portuguese regime,” Mr Karmali said.
Questioning Mr Anil Counto, the chairperson of the executive committee
planning the event, Mr Karmali sought to know whether an event is at all
organised in Portugal to showcase diverse Indian culture to the people
of Portugal.
“Some Goans are opting for the Portuguese passport as Portugal is part
of the European Union. In my opinion such people should surrender their
Indian citizenship as till date there is no provision for two-nation
passport in the country,” Mr Karmali claimed.
Veteran freedom fighter, Mr Prabhakar Sinari, who was also present at
the briefing, stated, “All these years we are asking for an apology from
the Portuguese government but it has not come.”
He also questioned the loyalties of those citizens who are seeking
Portuguese passport. “If tomorrow some tension lies between India and
Europe then where their loyalties will lie?” questioned Mr Sinari.
Mentioning about Portuguese regime, Mr Karmali pointed out that they
never worked for Goa’s development. “Portuguese never built Mandovi or
Zuari bridge nor any village roads. Also Goa’s education that time was
26 per cent, which is now almost 90 per cent. There are more Christians
in India than in Portugal,” Mr Karmali claimed.
http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/freedom-fighters-association-opposes-indo-portuguese-cultural-extravaganza
