‘Students should preserve memory of Cuncolim revolt’

Panaji: After including the history of the Cuncolim revolt in Class IX and XI textbooks for the first time, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has now asked schools for students’ participation to commemorate the revolt as well.
“This is to bring your attention to the historical significance of July 15, 1583. On this day, 16 chieftains of Cuncolim staged a valiant revolt against the destruction of temples and forced conversions carried out by the fanatical Portuguese rule.This was the first armed struggle by the Indian masses against European colonialism in Asia and is celebrated as ‘Goa State War Memorial Day’,” said the Goa Board in a circular to schools.
After a decade-long effort, Goa’s history was integrated into the main school history textbook recently.
“Shantadurga Seva Samiti has been dedicated to ensure the legacy of the 16 chieftains of Cuncolim is passed down to the future generations. For the past five years, they have been organising Jalabhishek programme on July 15 to pay tribute to these heroes.” said Goa board.
“This year, they have organised a lecture on ‘The battle of Cuncolim: Hidden history’ by Goan historian Sachin Madge,” Goa Board told the schools.
They have requested schools to depute at least ten students each from an institute along with teachers to participate ‘in this significant event’.
“The participation will greatly benefit the students and help in keeping the spirit of our history alive,” said the Goa Board.