Says foundation laid, but no progress due to selfish interests
MARGAO
Sports Minister and tribal leader, Govind Gaude on Saturday said the tribal communities will take a call if the proposed Tribal Bhavan at Porvorim does not take shape in the immediate future.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a function at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao organised by the Salcete Tribal Forum on Saturday, the Minister lamented that though he had laid the foundation stone for the Tribal Bhavan during his tenure, the same has not seen light of the day because of the selfish interests of some leaders.
“I had laid the foundation stone for the Tribal Bhavan, the plan was ready, but it could not move forward because some persons due to selfish interests. Let me talk in a frank manner. But, today or tomorrow, I am confident the project will be taken to its logical conclusion,” he said.
Earlier, addressing the function organised by the Salcete Tribal Forum, the Sports Minister reminded the youngsters from the tribal communities how the ST community had struggled over the last two decades to get their Constitutional Rights. “Some of the benefits which are enjoyed now by the youth are because of the sustained movement launched by the tribal population over the years. Our two youth Manguesh Gaonkar and Dilip Velip had sacrificed their lives during the Balli agitation while fighting for the rights enshrined under the Constitution,” he said.
He added: “The tribal communities are not trying to snatch anything from the plates of other communities. What we are demanding is the rights which have been envisaged under the Constitution.”
UTAA convenor Prakash Velip, president of Salcete Tribal Forum Rumaldo Gonsalves and others spoke at the function.
Gaude advocates Monte Cruz’ image at Nehru Stadium as lasting honour
MARGAO: Sports Minister Govind Gaude on Saturday has favoured creation of an image of late Monte Cruz at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda as a lasting tribute for the former Sports Minister.
In addition to the naming of a stadium stand after Monte Cruz, the Sports Minister has suggested creating an image of the former Sports Minister watching a football match inside the stadium. “Today, late Monte Cruz is remembered for building the Nehru stadium in a record time of six months. No doubt, the government has decided to name the Nehru stadium after Monte Cruz as announced by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. But, I favour creating an image of late Monte Cruz watching a football match inside the stadium as a lasting tribute for his rich contribution to sports,” he added.
