Nehru set the pace for country's development, says Kamat

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2009-05-28
MARGAO - The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Wednesday paid rich tributes to the first prime minister, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his 45th death anniversary and called him a visionary who set the pace for development of the country.
He said that when Pandit Nehru took over as the prime minister, the whole world was watching India and many nations had raised speculations that India would be divided on language, caste, creed and religions lines. However, Pandit Nehru ensured that India remained united and also laid the seeds of progress in the country.
He said the credit of the development and progress made by the country should also go to Pandit Nehru who was a visionary and even set up institutes like the IIT. He also said that at one stage India used to import food-grains. However, today, India exports food grains.
He also said that Pandit Nehru had a special place in his heart for Goa which is vindicated by the fact that he said that India’s independence is complete after Goa’s liberation. Further he said that Pandit Nehru loved children as they were the future pillars of the country and wanted to inculcate good values in them, as they are the future of the country.
Speaking at a special function organised by Marg and the directorate of information, noted advocate and writer, M r Uday Bhembre said: “We only install images and statues of great personalities, pay tributes to them but fail to inculcate their virtues.”
He said that Pandit Nehru laid the foundation for modern India and history is a testimony to the role he played in the country’s independence. As a prime minister he gave the country good values to the people, he added.
Mr Bhembre said that at the time of liberation, the state had a chance to safeguard its interest however failed to do so as “we focused our energies elsewhere.” He said, “Today we are fighting for special status like other North-Eastern states, however, much damage has already been done.” He said that Pandit Nehru had a unique attachment for Goa and had pitched for Goa having an unique identity even before Goa’s liberation which he pushed for even after liberation. The chairman of Margao Municipal Council, Mr Savio Coutinho also spoke on the occasion.