Team Goemkarponn
SANGUEM: The need for greater community unity, youth participation and fulfilment of long-pending government commitments came into focus at the 64th anniversary celebration of the Gomantak Gaud Maratha Samaj held at the Sanguem Municipal Council hall.
Priol MLA Govind Gaude, who attended the programme as chief guest, urged community members to remain determined while pursuing issues affecting them. Raising the issue of the proposed Tribal Bhavan, Gaude questioned why the facility had not been constructed despite repeated government assurances.
“If the government cannot construct a Tribal Bhavan, how will it deliver justice to the community?” Gaude asked, stressing that commitments must be translated into concrete action.
Gaude recalled the sacrifices made by community members during past struggles for their rights and said the agitation that originated at Kranti Maidan could assume a larger form if concerns remained unresolved. He urged the community to strengthen grassroots awareness and ensure that its message reaches every household.
Emphasising the role of youth, Gaude called upon youngsters to draw inspiration from Eklavya, build confidence and take responsibility for carrying the community forward.
UTTA president and former minister Prakash Velip highlighted the contribution of community leaders to Goa’s progress and said the younger generation should work towards building a stronger and self-reliant community. He said 12 demands raised by UTTA were still awaiting resolution.
Velip also urged youngsters not to depend solely on government employment and encouraged them to explore entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities for others. He called upon women to come together and explore business opportunities to strengthen their economic participation.
Vishwas Gaude attributed the organisation’s progress to the dedication and vision of its senior members and appealed to the community to support one another and avoid internal divisions. Referring to elections, he urged members to stand behind candidates from the community rather than creating hurdles in their political journey.
Suryakant Gaude also called for personal differences to be set aside, stressing that collective efforts were essential to secure a better future for the next generation.
Adv. Anand Gaonkar welcomed the gathering.
As part of the anniversary programme, MLA Govind Gaude felicitated several distinguished members with shawls, coconuts and mementoes. The honourees included Premanand Mhalgo Velip of Canacona, Premanand Ghadi of Surla-Pali, Rohidas Deu Bonbagkar of Betoda, Rohidas Vishnu Gaonkar of Murmune, Vasudev Bondinkar of Rivona, Chandrakant Shaba Gaonkar of Valshem Bhati, Dhanu Gaude of Madkai and Malu Velip of Quepem.
Prakash Gaonkar conducted the proceedings, Anil Gaonkar introduced the guests and Nanu Bandolkar delivered the vote of thanks.
