Panaji: Veteran freedom fighters have
decided to boycott the Goa Revolution Day function to register
their protest against the state government`s decision to
recognise English as the medium of instruction (MOI) in
Like many others in the state, the freedom fighters, too,
feel that the move would prove detrimental to the existence of
Konkani and Marathi languages.
All Goa Freedom Fighters Association (AGFFA) president
Naguesh Karmali on Monday said that freedom fighters would stay
away from the government-held Goa Revolution Day functions on
June 18 in Panaji, Margao and Ponda.
Goa Revolution Day is celebrated to commemorate the day
when the state`s liberation struggle against the Portuguese
rule received a boost after freedom fighters had given a call
to fight against the colonial power.
Karmali claimed that government`s decision on MOI will
enslave the people to the colonial heritage. However, the
freedom fighters will pay homage to their fallen colleagues
after the government function.
The Goa government on May 25 had recognised English as
the MOI in primary schools, a decision that has sparked
protests across the state.