Bicholim : The Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti recently conducted a special programme to highlight the horrors of the Goa Inquisition. The programme was held at the Shree Ravalnath Auditorium, Borde, Bicholim. The programme shed light on the innumerable inhuman atrocities that the people of Gomantak faced during the inquitision. Shivpremi-historian Mr Sachin Madge and Mr Mukund Kavthankar were the chief guests.
The programme started with the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries. Mr Mukund Kavthankar shared the importance of remembering the Goa Inquisition. He said “If you study the historical evidence, documents and the conditions of that time, you can obtain enough information about the injustice Hindus faced. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj had won the battle against the Portuguese. But history was manufactured when it was claimed that ‘the prayer offered to the dead body of Francis Xavier in Old Goa proved fruitful’. We should celebrate ‘Shambhu Pratap Din’ to commemmorate the feats of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj during this period.”
Mr Govind Chodankar welcomed the attendees and introduced the guests. Mr Rahul Vaze compered the programme.
Resolutions adopted
1. The Pope should apologize to the people of Gomantak for imposing the Inquisition in Goa.
2. The study of Goa Inquisition should be included in the school curriculum.
3. The historic ‘Haat Katro Khamb’ at Old Goa should be declared as a national monument and preserved, protected and conserved.
4. The temples destroyed by the Portuguese should be rebuilt.
