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.

Governor Shri P. S Sreedharan Pillai attended Kutumb Mela celebrations at New Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan today. The event was organized to mark his successful two years as Governor at Raj Bhavan, Goa.

Earlier, Shri MRM Rao, IAS, Secretary to Governor gave the introductory remarks and welcomed the guests. He highlighted the various activities that are carried out by Raj Bhavan.

Addressing the gathering, Governor, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai said, July 15 is an important day for Goa as the war against colonial rule started on this day.

On the occasion of completion of 2 years in office of Governor Shri P.S.Sreedharan Pillai announced a Scheme for the support and encouragement of the traditional skills/ occupations of the people of Goa. Traditional skills/occupation to be covered under this Scheme are Kumbhar (Potter),Kunbi Saree & Kashti (Handloom), Coir Making, Godhadi Making (traditional patch work quilts),  Kamar/Kasar (Blacksmith/Coppersmith), Cane Work/Bamboo Work, Fulkar (Flower Craft), Coconut Jaggery (Goddkars), Lavo Mandri (Mat Weaving) and Chitari (Drawing/Painting).

The Governor said, Goan Society is characterised by several unique facets. One of them is the diverse traditional occupations that constitute an important fabric of Goa’s rich culture and heritage. Many of these traditional occupations have been a characteristic of Goan society from time immemorial. However it is unfortunate that in these modern times, these traditional professions have been gradually diminishing and some of them are near to extinction. It is therefore essential that steps are taken to protect, preserve and promote these skills/occupations for posterity, the Governor added.

The Governor informed about the sincere work and cooperation of the colleagues of Raj Bhavan due to which Raj Bhavan has succeeded in doing many things at Raj Bhavan.

Various cultural events were organized in which talented artists performed the different types of arts. Kum. Sanvi Gurav, dance, Mast. Aditya Das and Kum. Dhriti Kandolk, gymnastic performance and Mast. Nimish Borkar, guitar performance, Miss Aishani Rao, and Aishani Gadekari who later were given appreciation awards at the hands of First Lady of Goa, Smt. K. Rita Pillai.

Later, the Governor presented encouragement gifts to Chetana Tirodkar, Omkar Parwar, Sumit Bansi and Rohit Bansi for participating in sports at higher level. Gifts were also presented to Aaradhan Gauns, Vigniesh Shet, Saloni Gadekar and Vishaka Parwar for securing first class with distinction in Xth and XII board examination during the academic year. Encouragement gifts were also presented to Virshika Borkar, Faeda Shaikh, Gaurang Tari and Naveen Palkar who are in different profession.