Author: DH News Service
Publication: Deccan Herald
Date: October 12, 2003
URL: http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct12/n4.asp
In a function attended by prominent
members of the RSS and VHP in Goa, Governor Kidar Nath Sahani said the
reconstruction of temples destroyed by Portuguese colonisers in Goa was
a matter of "national identity and heritage".
He said getting funds for the purpose
would be no problem. An official government communique quotes Mr Sahani
as having said, "the reconstruction of temples demolished by the Portuguese
and erstwhile regimes has great importance in the nation-building and in
bringing about national awakening among the people."
"People from all faiths should come
together and extend cooperation in this mammoth task as it involves issues
of national identity and heritage."
The governor's comments on Friday,
were made at the site of the Shree Mahalsa temple in Verna, where the demolished
temple is being rebuilt. Four smaller temples, Shree Sateri, Ganesh, Mahalaxmi
and Nagadevata are also to be constructed.The reconstruction will cost
Rs 4 crore. The government communique said that the old temple was demolished
by the Portuguese in 1567.
Goa was colonised by the proselytising
Portuguese in 1510 and liberated only 451 years later in 1961. Hundreds
of temples are believed to have been razed down by the colonial power.
Mr Sahani, who took over the gubbernatorial post in Goa after Mr Mohammed
Fazal was transferred as Governor of Maharashtra, makes no bones about
his RSS background.
Among those present at the governor's
visit were RSS convener Subhash Velinkar and the organisation's functionary
Ratnakar Lele apart from the VHP's South Goa president.
