The highly-anticipated Coffee Table book ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’ written by the Governor, PS Sreedharan Pillai, was released today along with two other books – ‘When Parallel Lines Meet’, also in English; and ‘Ente Priya Kavitakal’ (Malayalam poems) at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula on Friday afternoon.
Governor of West Bengal, Dr CV Ananda Bose; Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, graced the occasion.
Pillai toured all 400 villages of Goa and compiled the information about the ‘Heritage Trees of Goa’. The said book will help tourism in Goa and tourists all over the world who are desirous to know the state’s natural treasures.
Goans by nature have been worshipping various trees and plants and the Governor has observed that in Goan villages, important trees stand tall, towering as landmarks. Around 31 different trees are described accordingly with historical, spiritual and religious contexts.
In his address, Pillai hailed the people of Goa and in general underlined the constitutional decree that people are supreme.
On the occasion, Pillai also handed over financial assistance of Rs 96 lakh for 384 patients comprising 100 dialysis patients and 284 cancer patients, with cheques presented to the Collector of North and South Goa.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant saluted Pillai as one of the kind for having travelled to nooks and corner of Goa to study the state holistically. He called on writers of Goa to take up the task of translating the book in Konkani and Marathi languages so that students can refer to the notings by Pillai.
When Parallel Lines Meet’ (English) is a book based on compilation of speeches of experts who have showered praises on the multifaceted Pillai. ‘Ente Priya Kavitakal’ is a book of Malayalam poems, and stamps Pillai’s personality as a total writer, noted Dr Ananda Bose.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Jnanpith Awardee Damodar ‘Bhai’ Mauzo admired the tremendous work put in by the Governor, who is now closing in on a landmark figure of 200 books to his credit.
Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa, Daman & Diu; Swami Maheshatmananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission; Secretary Governor, M. R. M Rao, IAS also spoke on the occasion.
