Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Madganvcho Awaaz will observe “Asmitai Vars” from January 16, 2026 to January 16, 2027 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic Opinion Poll of 1967, which safeguarded Goa’s identity, language and culture.
Announcing this, youth leader Prabhav Naik said the year-long programme will honour the stalwarts of the Opinion Poll movement and the families who stood firm to protect Goa’s Asmita. A series of people-centric activities including public debates, seminars, competitions and cultural programmes will be organised to recall the historic struggle and pass on its significance to younger generations.
As part of the 60th Opinion Poll Day celebrations on Friday, January 16, 2026, a special commemorative poster will be released at the hands of Opinion Poll hero Advocate Uday Bhembre.
Madganvcho Awaaz will also felicitate the living stalwarts of the “Janmat Kaul” movement for their contribution in preserving Goa’s identity. Those to be honoured include Adv. Uday Bhembre, Prof. Shyam Verenkar, N. Shivdas, Aruna Telang, Nirmala Sawant, Sadanand Kanekar, Tomazinho Cardozo and Smriti Audi.
Naik said the Opinion Poll was not merely a political exercise but a powerful people’s movement that reaffirmed Goa’s civilisational ethos and democratic spirit. He added that the sacrifices and commitment of the movement’s leaders ensured that Goa retained its distinct identity.
Expressing pride in his family’s association with the movement, Naik said his great grandfather Narcinv Naik and grandfather Anant alias Babu Naik had actively contributed to the historic struggle.
He said the programmes under Asmitai Vars aim to create awareness among the youth, strengthen public discourse on Goa’s identity and inspire collective responsibility to protect the State’s cultural, linguistic and social fabric. Madganvcho Awaaz has appealed to citizens and institutions to participate actively and make Asmitai Vars a true people’s movement.
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