Minister for Archives and Archeology, Shri. Subhash Phaldessai today stated that Chieftains Uprising of Cuncolim against colonial rule has great significance in our history as the movement ignited urge among the natives for rebel against foreign rule. He was speaking after paying rich tributes to Chieftains Martyr Memorial at Cuncolim today.
The Memorial witnessed great enthusiasm and pride as the Government machinery along with freedom fighters, prominent residents of Cuncolim gathered to commemorate Cuncolim revolt against colonial rule in 1583, wherein 16 Chieftains rebelled against draconian tax structure imposed by the Portuguese on natives of Goa.
Shri. Phaldessai further said that, Cuncolim Revolt could be also recognized as the first rebel of locals against suppression culture and tradition of the land by invaders. The History of Cuncolim Revolt has to be cherished for future generation, hence serious efforts are being made to produce a documentary based on Cuncolim Revolt. He further informed that, he himself had lot of discussions with film producers towards making a film on Cuncolim Revolt but filmmakers found it difficult as film would need to create environment of 1583 for shooting and would be an expensive exercise too. None the less Government will certainly put efforts to make a documentary wherein the sacrifice of 16 Chieftains could be treasured for generations to come, he added.
Leader of Opposition Shri. Yuri Alemao expressed satisfaction for incorporating history of Cuncolim Revolt in History syllabus of Std 9th and Std 11th class. He recalled various initiatives taken by him and trustees of Chieftains of Cuncolim Trust towards incorporating history of Cuncolim Revolt 1583 in school syllabus to create awareness among the student communities.
Shri. Alemao said that, Cuncolim Revolt could be a first non-co-operation movement in Asia against foreign rule.
On the occasion Chairman of Goa Board of Higher Secondary Education Shri. Bhagirath Shetye and historians and teachers on Board of Studies who have worked for incorporating history of Cuncolim Revolt in school syllabus were felicitated by the Chieftains of Cuncolim Trust.
Earlier, Cuncolim Bhushan award was conferred on retired Director Health Services Dr.Ira Almeida, Cuncolim Shree Award to renowned Tiatr writer and retired Police Superintendent Shri. Sammy Tavares, Cuncolim Mitra to former MLA Shri. Joaquim Alemao and Shri. Shivaji Desai and Cuncolim Jyoti award was conferred to Shri. Surendra Desai for their exemplary work in social field. Besides various school students/young professionals in vicinity of Cuncolim were felicitated for extraordinary performance in the academics and professional examinations. It was declared that the Trust will confer every year a fellow award in the Memory of great historian Dr. Verissimo Coutinho to young historian in the State for his research in the field of history.
It may be recalled that, State Government has declared July 15, as Chieftains Martyr Day and its commemoration as a State event from last year.
MLA, Navelim Shri. Ulhas Tuenkar, MLA, Vellim Shri. Cruz Silva, Secretary, Tourism Shri. Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Chairman of Cuncolim Municipal Council Shri. Landry Mascarenhas, President of Chieftains of Cuncolim Trust, Shri. Oscar Martins, Freedom Fighter Shri. Waman Prabhugaonkar were among those prominent persons present at the occasion.
