Team Goemkarponn
Margao: As Goa approaches the 60th anniversary of the historic Opinion Poll of January 16, 1967, Madganvcho Awaaz, along with youth leader Prabhav Naik, has called upon the State Government to launch year-long Diamond Jubilee celebrations to honour the landmark democratic event that safeguarded Goa’s distinct identity.
In a detailed representation submitted to the Chief Minister of Goa, Prabhav Naik underscored the historic importance of the Opinion Poll, describing it as a defining moment that shaped Goa’s political and cultural future. He stated that the democratic verdict not only preserved Goa’s unique identity but also paved the way for the recognition of Konkani as the Official Language and ultimately led to the State attaining full-fledged statehood.
Highlighting that the completion of 59 years marks the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee phase, Naik asserted that the milestone deserves more than a ceremonial observance. He demanded State-supported, year-long programmes across Goa, beginning with a major State-level function on January 16, 2026, and concluding with State Asmitai celebrations on January 16, 2027.
Madganvcho Awaaz stressed that such commemorations should be treated as events of national and historical importance, with mandatory participation of the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, MLAs, MPs, representatives of local self-government bodies and senior bureaucrats. The group cautioned against reducing the anniversary to symbolic or low-key programmes.
The representation also called for honouring the architects of the Janmat Kaul movement. It sought formal felicitation of surviving stalwarts such as Adv. Uday Bhembre and N. Shivdas, while urging the government to pay tribute to the families of late leaders including Dr Jack Sequeira, Shabu Dessai, Ulhas Buyao, Victoria (Mami) Fernandes, Ravi Sitaram Naik and other lesser-known contributors who played a pivotal role in defending Goa’s identity.
Strong objection was raised to a recent Directorate of Education circular that made the observance of Opinion Poll Day optional in schools and shifted the financial responsibility to educational institutions. Madganvcho Awaaz maintained that commemorating Opinion Poll Day is a State responsibility and should be mandatory, with full financial support from the government.
Reiterating that Goa’s identity was achieved through democratic struggle and sacrifice, Prabhav Naik appealed to the State Government to act decisively. Madganvcho Awaaz emphasized that the Diamond Jubilee of the Opinion Poll must be marked with dignity, inclusiveness and scale, reflecting its enduring significance for generations of Goans.
