Konkani Bhasha Mandal's GOA YUVA MAHOTSAV 2002 ------------------------------------------------- NEWS & PHOTOS SENT BY E-MAIL
26 August, 2002 The struggle for Mhadei is not merely against the Karnataka government but mainly against the sugarcane lobby controlling almost all the political parties in the southern state. The movement thus needs to march ahead even by seeking support of Kannadigas, stated Nirmala Sawant, president of the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan. Speaking at the 'Osmitai Jyot' programme of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal's Goa Yuva Mahotsav in Collem last Sunday, Sawant also ridiculed the argument of diverting Mhadei water for drinking water purpose. On the contrary, Karnataka is making their own people homeless to economic gains of the rich farmers' lobby, she alleged. Stating that the letter issued by the Central Water Commission permitting Karnataka to utilise part of Mhadei water is not withdrawn till date, Ms Sawant also demanded intervention of central government. She also appealed to the people to get prepared for a statewide agitation, to pressurise the local government in this regard. The 'Osmitai Jyot', organised jointly by the Dudhasagar Pearls and the Hemadbarshem Konkani Kendra, was lighted at the hands of Collem Sarpanch Naresh Shigaonkar, on the banks of Dudhasagar river. The procession of students, youth and other citizens then went around the village while Fr Pascol Fernandes blessed the water of Mhadei. A street play by Vivekanand Kala Sadarikaran Manch was also performed at the venue. While rendering total support to the movement led by the Mhadei Bachao Abhiyan, local sarpanch Mr Shigaonkar also appealed not to divert their ire against Kannadigas but to seek their support for the issue. He then also presented copy of the resolution the panchayat had passed on Mhadei to Ms Sawant. Prof. Atmaram Kudchadkar explained on the occasion how the Sahyadri range would be totally destroyed if Karnataka diverts the water of Mhadei by constructing 11 dams at different points, from Dudhasagar in the south to the tributary of Tillari river in the north. Prof. Prakash Paryekar, Prof. Purnanand Chari and Mr Prashant Naik also spoke on the occasion. They appealed to the people to exploit each and every means to propagate the issue of Mhadei, through schools and colleges, political forums, social, cultural and sports organisations and even through temples and churches, including the forthcoming Ganeshotsav. The Identity Torch was then handed over to Swayambhu of Assnora at the hands of Ms Sawant. Earlier, Mr Nilesh Panchawadkar, president of Dudhasagar Pearls welcomed while Mr Suresh Kolvekar of Hemadbarshem Kendra introduced the guests. Local writer Ms Suranga Madkaikar proposed a vote of thanks, while Mr Uday Gaonkar compered. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SANDESH PRABHUDESAI, D-13-A, Govt. Quarters, Altinho, Panaji, GOA 403 001 Ph : + 91 - 832 - 425222 Mobile : + 91 9822133864 E Mail : <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Website : <GoaNews> http://www.goanews.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!