"THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR THE FREEDOM OF OUR COUNTRY DIED. THOSE WHO WERE THIEVES WERE MADE FREEDOM FIGHTERS. WHO MADE THEM FREEDOM FIGHTERS ANYWAY?”
When I was young, just about 15 years old, I was living in Panjim near Mahalaxmi Temple. Mr. Mahadev Harischandra Chari - alias 'Bhau' was my neighbour then. His prediction has come true today. He had predicted there would be acute shortage of water and electricity in Panjim city, and waste water will make way through roads making them open drains. We in Panjim are witnessing what he said then.
In the service of Mahalaxmi Temple there was a person called Kashinath Chari. He was employed by the Temple as a watchman. There was also another person called Anand Sadu Surlakar. I was wondering how these two persons could ever be made freedom fighters. I therefore once took the opportunity to ask Mahadev Chari how these two persons could be made freedom fighters. He said those who fought for the freedom of our country already died. Those who were thieves were therefore made freedom fighters.
What he said to me was true. Nothing but truth. As a matter of fact he said "Mr Vishwanath Lavande ( President of Azad Gomantak Dal) used to come to Bhau to get rubber stamps made for his office use. Since I developed friendly relationship with Mr. Lavande, I put a word with Lavande to make this drummer and the watchmen freedom fighters to which he readily agreed and made them freedom fighters in no time. 59 years have passed since then. But we get no feel of independence, freedom.
People will appreciate if the freedom fighters will organize a silent protest instead of paying tribute to freedom fighters at Azad Maidan Panjim or Patradevi Memorial. If this is done the Goa government may consider offering appointments to unemployed children of freedom fighters.
If the freedom fighters were alert and vigilant and had told their children the price they have paid for the freedom of the country, they would not have to face the humiliation they are facing today.
The freedom fighters would do well to pledge similar struggle once again to SAVE GOA.
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