Goemkarponn Desk
CANACONA: This is a honor given to my villagers of Cotigao as the ‘Best Tourism Village 2023’ in Bronze Category by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, representing over 140 crore (one hundred and forty crore) people of our country’, Cotigao Sarpanch Anandu Dessai said when asked for his reaction. Dessai alongwith his companion flew back to Goa late Wednesday night.
Cotigao Sarpanch Anandu Desai and Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS (Resident Commissioner, Goa Sandan, New Delhi) had received the prestigious award on behalf of Cotigao village at an event in Bharat Mandapam @ Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on Wednesday to mark World Tourism Day.
Speaking further Desai said, ‘Because for a small Goa’s village like Cotigao to be honored by the tourism department of my country India, which covers such a large assets upto Himalayas, is truly ‘divine’ for me and my people.’
‘I thank all the people of my Khotigaon, my panchayat members and staff, Goa’s Tourism Department, especially the Speaker through whose inspiration we are able to complete the new concepts of Cotigao Panchayat development. Now, this is the national award that the people of my Cotigao have received for preserving the tradition that has been carried on since ancient times. This award is an honor given to the artisans who make various types of essential items from forest resources, an honor given to our womenfolk who plays fugadi, dhalo and a the honor given to the natural forest cover. This is an honor given to the Waterfall that falls flows from the mountain at Kuske during the rainy season. An honor to the adoring deities in the village, to the towering mountains , natural richness of our village always willing to welcome the tourists coming to Cotigao’.
This award is an honor to the people in various authorities who raises the expectations of the marginalized people of Cotigao, who helps in raising the standard of living of the people of Cotigao in the future as well’.
‘I take opportunity, on behalf of the panchayat members and all the people of Cotigao, I appeal to the tourists to visit Cotigao and enjoy the nature here’.
