PANAJI: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar touched upon Goan pride and rich heritage while welcoming the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa on his three-day visit to the coastal State.
“It is a matter of pride that after 450 years of colonial rule, a person of Goan origin is now a head of State in Portugal,” Mr. Parsekar said on Wednesday.
He also spoke of the common civil code practised in Goa and said it was a gift by Portugal. “Common civil code is practised only in Goa and appreciated by other States,” Mr. Parsekar said.
On the demands made by some regional outfits for an apology from Mr. Costa for atrocities committed by Portugal during the colonial rule, Mr. Parsekar said, “Look, I don't like to create controversy particularly on the eve of election. In fact, this gentleman shows and discloses proudly that his origin is in Goa.”
He added, “I feel we Goans should feel proud that people who ruled us for 450 years, long back are now having a Prime Minister of Goan origin heading entire Portugal.”
He said his discussions with Mr. Costa covered co-operation in sectors like heritage, tourism, science, oceanography, and promotion of Portuguese language.
“Our ties are ranging from almost 500 years. Of course, after Liberation we have been doing well, but even then the common civil code has been a gift to this State by Portugal. Common civil code is practised only in Goa and appreciated by other States,” Mr. Parsekar said.
The Chief Minister said that after a hectic schedule during the first leg of his India visit, Mr. Costa was in Goa to rest and visit his ancestral home in Margao in South Goa.
Mr. Costa reached Goa late evening on Tuesday and was received at the INS Hansa base by Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza in presence of Portuguese Consul General in Goa Rui Baceira.
Mr. Costa’s packed itinerary includes the release of a book of translation of his father’s poems, in English. He will also be given a civic reception here at renewed Adilshah Palace.
During his visit to his ancestral home in Margao, Mr. Costa will have a meal with his family and close friends.
Goa was liberated from 450 years of Portuguese rule, by Indian Army on December 19,1961.
Mr. Costa, also visited National Institute of Oceanography(NIO), the Goa-based premier ocean research institute, with his delegation and expressed willingness to initiate new programs in the field of Marine robotics, global navigation systems and microbial biotechnology.
The Prime Minister evinced keen interest in extending the joint research programs between NIO and Portuguese research institutions, and assured his support to improve the understandings of oceanographic processes and utilization of its resources.
