If the Government of Goa and the Archaeological Department ignores the Inquisition Pillar (Hatkatro Khamb) in future, devout Hindus will make an apt decision to safeguard it !
Panaji : Representatives of pro-Hindu organizations from all over Bharat, patriotic locals of Goa and the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) organized a tribute program at the venue of the Inquisition Pillar (Hathkatro Khamb) at Old Goa on 18th June, i.e. the Goa Revolution Day. The Inquisition Pillar is a symbol of the self-identity of Goan Hindus who sacrificed their lives opposing conversion during the atrocious inquisition inflicted during the Portuguese rule. All Hindus present at this time made a human chain around the Inquisition Pillar and demanded that the said pillar be registered as a historic ancient monument of archaeological importance and be preserved with immediate effect. At this time, everybody present paid their heartfelt tribute to the Goan Hindus who had to sacrifice their life due to the atrocities inflicted during the Portuguese Inquisition.
Prof. Prajal Sakhardande, Goan Historian and Vice Chairman of Goa Heritage Action Group; Shri. Kamlesh Bandekar, Goa Chief of Bharat Swabhimaan; Shri. Sameer Gauns of Vande Mataram Sakhali Sanghatana; Devout Hindu Shri. Ramkrishna Kamat; Shri. Sunil Ghanvat, HJS’ Maharashtra State Sanghatak; Shri. Nagesh Takbhate, Advocate, Hindu Vidhidnya Parishad; Dr. Manoj Solanki, HJS’ Goa State Co-ordinator; Shri. Jayesh Thali; Shri. Madhav Virdikar, Shivsena, etc were present at this time.
Will not allow Government to destroy symbol of the sacrifice of Hindus : Shri. Ramesh Shinde, National Spokesperson, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
There was a mention of the ‘Hatkatro Khamb’ in government documents till the year 2006. However, a systematic attempt is being made to erase the same. This ‘pillar’ that is the symbol of the sacrifice of self-respecting Hindus is being deliberately neglected. We will not allow the history of our ancestors sacrifice to be erased. If the Goa government does not preserve this historic ‘pillar’, Hindus all over the nation will hold agitations and decide what steps should be taken to safeguard the same, warned HJS’ National Spokesperson, Shri. Ramesh Shinde. He also expressed astonishment over the fact that the administration, which usually treats people’s houses that are over a hundred years old as protected structures and brings hurdles in their upkeep and maintenance, is not keen on preserving the said 13th Century monument (Hatkatro Khamb).
Shri. Jayesh Thali explained the importance of the Goa Revolution Day and the objective of the agitation to the audience. The said ‘Pillar’ which is a remnant of Sree Saptakoteshwar Temple that existed during the reign of the Kadamba Kings and demolished by the Portuguese, was used to punish Hindus and criminals. Thus, it is named as ‘Hatkatro Khamb’. While emphasising the historical importance of the ‘pillar’, Prof. Prajal Sakhardande informed that there is an inscription on this ‘pillar’ in the Kannada language. This ‘pillar’ has been hit by vehicles twice, thus damaging its platform. Prof. Sakhardande demanded that the administration should preserve this ‘pillar’ before another accident occurs. Shri. Kamlesh Bandekar appreciated and expressed gratitude to the devout Hindus present from across the Nation and the HJS for bringing them together on the Goa Revolution Day to preserve the historic ‘Hatkatro Khamb’. Shri. Bandekar said, ”Our revolutionaries have shed their blood to protect this land. The cruelty displayed by the Portuguese in torturing Hindus far exceeds the cruelty of the ISIS terrorists. Many Christians are also aware of the reality that their ancestors were Hindus and were harassed atrociously by the Portuguese. Today is indeed a day that should be written in gold, as Hindus from across the Nation have come together to safeguard and preserve a monument that symbolises the sacrifice of our ancestors!
