- HJS distributes handbills explaining the issue
- Meetings with ministers and officers
- Positive response to the movement
Panaji : ‘Hatkatro Stambh’ at Old Goa is the only witness of persecution of Goan Hindus by Portuguese through the medium of inquisition. Conspiracy is being hatched to destroy this ‘Stambh’ and Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), on the occasion of Independence Day on 15th August, has started movement for preservation of this monument by creating awareness amongst people. Under this movement on 15th August, HJS volunteers met ministers and government officers at different places and explained to them about the movement `and also gave them copies of press release published on the subject. All of them responded positively to the movement.
HJS delegation met Union ‘Ayush’ Minister Shripad Naik, State Ministers Francis D’souza, Jayesh Salgaonkar, Dy. District Collector Gauresh Shankhwalkar of Bardesh Taluka, Mamledar Dasharath Gavas; Dy. District Collector Harish Hadkonkar of Dicholi, Mapusa’s Mayor Rohan Kavalekar, municipal councilor Tushar Topale, Menezes Braganza Institute’s President Sanjay Harmalkar; historian Prajal Sakhardande etc. HJS delegation comprised of members viz. Shri. Chandrakant Pundit, President of ‘Gomantak Mandir ani Dharmik Sanstha’, its treasurer Uday Munj, Jayesh Thali, devout Hindus viz. Shri. Suresh Verlekar, Shri. Mahesh Sawant, Shri. Nandkumar Raikar etc.
HJS has published a 4-page press release describing, in detail, the inspiring and fiery history of ‘Hatkataro Stambh’; terrible, inordinate persecution through the medium of ‘Inquisition’ from the year 1554 showed with a picture; conspiracy to destroy ‘Hatkataro Stambh’; importance of preserving memories of persecution and action to be taken for protection of ‘Hatkataro Stambh’ etc. HJS has made few demands with the Government under this movement.
Demands made by HJS
1. Hatkataro Stambh may be declared as national heritage and be preserved and protected.
2. In the list of tourists’ places and website of Goa Govt., there should be official mention of ‘Hatkataro Stambh’ and its history.
3. It should be made mandatory for all tourists’ guides to explain history of ‘Hatkataro Stambh’ to tourists.
4. Big board with burning history of ‘Hatkataro Stambh’ written on it should be displayed next to the monument.
5. A fence should be erected for its protection and its deterioration should be stopped.
