In a significant move to bridge the gap between the past and the present, Goa’s Minister for Tourism and Information Technology, Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasised the importance of educating the younger generation about the contributions of Goa’s freedom fighter, journalist, and poet, late Laxmidas Borkar. Speaking at the inauguration of the year-long centenary birth anniversary celebrations of Borkar at the Central Library-Panaji, minister Khaunte urged the need to utilise modern platforms like podcasts to disseminate the knowledge of Borkar’s work and writings.
The centenary celebrations, marked by the lighting of a traditional Samai, were attended by Gurudas Sawal, Chairman of the Laxmidas Borkar Janm Shatabdi Samaroh Samiti, Editor of Daily Navprabha, Paresh Prabhu, Senior Journalist Waman Prabhu, Central Library’s Curator Dr. Sushant Tandel, and Nitin Borkar, son of Late Laxmidas Borkar. The event also featured Former Power Minister Nirmala Sawant, former deputy speaker Shambhu Bhau Bandekar, Konkani writer Dilip Borkar, senior journalists, students, and other family members of Laxmidas Borkar.
“Honouring Borkar’s significant role in Goa’s freedom movement, it’s essential that the sacrifices of our freedom fighters are recognised by the new generation, not just on National Days but as a constant reminder,” minister Khaunte emphasised. “It is heartening to witness initiatives like Borkar Jayanti, and I encourage schools to organise programmes that showcase his work and writings, aiming to educate and motivate the younger generation about his lasting legacy.”
He also extended an invitation to students to explore the newly renovated Aguada Fort, by the Tourism Department, and assured the audience of his unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Borkar’s legacy. Minister Khaunte took the opportunity to explore and praise the exhibition showcasing Borkar’s forewords.
