In order to educate people about the achievements and works of Goa’s lone Governor during the colonial rule, Dr Bernardo Peres Da Silva, the Heritage Connect Trust in association with MLA Vijai Sardesai and Aldrin Coutinho installed an information board at the Government Primary School in Neura in his memory.
The board provides information and history pertaining to the life of Dr Da Silva who hailed from Neura.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardesai said, "Goans don't know about Dr Da Silva. When I read about him I realized that he was the first and only native Goan to be appointed to this post during the 451 years of Portuguese rule."
"He was the governor for only 17 days. During that period, he decided to protect the interests of Goans rather than the Portuguese. Therefore, they dismissed him from the post within 17 days," said Sardesai.
He further added that about 90 percent of the MLAs in the Legislative Assembly will not be aware of Dr Bernardo Peres Da Silva. "BPS Sports Club at Margao is in memory of him. But, even their members will not be aware about him. The chief minster said that primary schools will be named after freedom fighters. Now there is a statue of BPS in front of a school at Neura. Will the name of this great Goan be given to the school?" Sardesai questioned.
He urged the people to protect Goan land heritage. "Heritage is our real wealth and we all should unite and fight to save it. Today, the government is trying to sell the state to big industrialists on the pretext of bankruptcy," he added.
St Andre MLA, Viresh Borkar, who was also present on the occasion, said “Bernardo Peres Da Silva (BPS) was the first revolutionary Goan who was born in the village of Neura. BPS was a doctor, social worker, and a great Goan. During his 17 days as governor, he undertook many reforms for Goans and sacrificed his life in public service.”
Borkar appealed to the people to work towards preserving Goa's heritage. “There are many heritage monuments and sites in St Andre and efforts are being made to preserve them. The government needs to focus on village tourism and bring local stories to life," added Borkar.
History professor Prajal Sakhardande, Headmaster of Azmane High School Dinesh Santinezkar, former sarpanch of Azossim-Mandur Ajit Bacal, priest of Shree Dhondeshwar Devasthan Neura Kumar Desai and others were present on the occasion.
Co-founders of Heritage Connect Trust, Yogesh Nagvenkar and Prasad Sawant, researched and put together the information on the board to make people aware about the contribution of BPS.
