Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA: Aldona MLA and Goa Pradesh Congress Committee working president Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira on Thursday expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power in Goa with the support of the people, while calling on party workers and supporters to remain united to defeat what he termed as “evil forces.”
Speaking at his 60th birthday celebrations at Bastora, Ferreira thanked the people of Aldona for electing him as their representative and said their support had enabled him to bring greater recognition to Corjuem.
“I want to thank you not only for electing me as your MLA but also for putting Corjuem on the national and international map. I am grateful for the faith you have reposed in me,” he said.
Recalling his childhood, Ferreira spoke about growing up in Corjuem when there was no electricity, piped water or telephone connectivity. He said the simple village life had shaped his values and commitment to public service.
Reflecting on his political journey, Ferreira said entering electoral politics had been a difficult decision despite repeated requests from the people of Corjuem.
“I was never in politics though I was always associated with politicians behind the scenes. As a lawyer I could help only those who approached me, but as a politician I can reach out to many more people. I believe humanity is what we need to serve,” he said.
Although celebrating his 60th birthday, Ferreira said he had no plans of slowing down.
“I am 60, but I don’t feel 60. I am not retiring. I thank all of you for your support. Stay united. Let us defeat the evil forces and bring the Congress government back to power,” he said.
AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare described Ferreira as a strong leader committed to public service and said the people of Goa stood behind him.
“His ideology is to work while taking everyone along. He raises issues concerning the entire state, and social service runs in his blood. On behalf of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, I extend my best wishes to him,” Thakare said.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar praised Ferreira’s performance in the Assembly, saying he consistently raised issues affecting Goans and had served the Congress in several capacities, including as one of the state’s youngest Advocate Generals.
“He is doing an excellent job for the people of Goa. We wish him good health and hope he continues serving the people of his constituency and the state,” Chodankar said.
The celebration was attended by AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare, GPCC president Girish Chodankar, Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza, former minister Govind Gaude, former Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar, senior advocates Claude Alvares and Norma Alvares, former Speaker Tomazinho Cardozo, former MLAs, Congress leaders, panchayat members, party workers, well-wishers and supporters. Earlier in the day, Assembly Speaker Dr Ganesh Gaonkar, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Delilah Lobo and former GPCC president Amit Patkar also greeted Ferreira on the occasion.
