REQUEST TO GRANT PERMISSION TO CELEBRATE FEASTS AT ANJEDIVA ISLAND IN GOA
SHRI SHANTARAM LAXMAN NAIK (GOA): Sir, there is an island, which is a part of
the State of Goa, situated in the village Anjediva Island, Canacona Taluka,
comprising an area of 34,0075, sq. meters, surveyed under number 1,2 and 3 of
village Anjediva.
This Island was transferred to the Union of India by the Government of
Goa under the provisions of Goa Land Revenue Code 1968, for the purpose of
Project Sea Bird, constructed at Karwar in Karnataka.
In this Island, there is a Church, Nossa Senhora de Brotas (Our Lady of
Springs) built in 1506 and rebuilt in 1682 and subsequently in 1729. It is
the first Church built by the Portuguese in India, 158 years before the Taj
Mahal. In this Island, two feasts are celebrated every year. One feast, on
2nd February, namely, of Our Lady of Springs, and another on 4th February, at
the Chapel of St. Francis de Assiss.
However, despite commitments made by the Indian Navy, devotees are not
allowed to celebrate these two feasts. The Church and the Chapel existing on
the Island are not maintained properly.
It is well known that even national high security zones are opened to
the public, as a goodwill measure, on occasions like Navy Week, etc. The
Project Seabird at Karwar has been no exception, having opened its portals to
all and sundry during the Navy Week for the last three years. Peaceful
celebration of two traditional feasts could also be handled, without great
hassle, by the concerned authorities. In doing so, needless to say, you would
be honouring the legitimate sentiments of the peaceful Catholic population of
Goa. Archbishop of Goa and Daman has also written to the Indian Navy on
similar lines.
The Defence Ministry, therefore, should direct the Indian Navy to allow
celebration of the two feasts and to carry the maintenance of the Church and
the Chapel there. (Ends)
SOURCE: http://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsdebate/deb_ndx/207/01032006/5to6.htm
