Panaji : July 15, 2026
Minister for Social Welfare, Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai alongwith Leader of Opposition, Shri Yuri Alemao paid rich tributes to the Chieftains Memorial at the State Level Chieftains Uprising Commemoration Day today at Cuncolim.
While speaking Shri Phaldessai stated that Chieftains Uprising of Cuncolim against colonial rule has great significance in history as the movement ignited urge among the natives to rebel against foreign rule.
The Memorial witnessed great enthusiasm and pride as the Government machinery along with freedom fighters, students and prominent residents of Cuncolim gathered to commemorate Cuncolim revolt against the colonial rule in 1583, wherein 16 Chieftains rebelled against draconian tax structure imposed by the Portuguese on natives of Goa.
Shri. Phaldessai further said that, Cuncolim Revolt could be also recognized as the first rebel of locals against suppression culture and tradition of the land by invaders. The History of Cuncolim Revolt has to be cherished for future generation, hence serious efforts are being made to produce a documentary based on Cuncolim Revolt.
He appreciated Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for his efforts to incorporate the history of Cuncolim Revolt in the curriculum. Shri. Phal Dessai also lauded Dr. Sawant`s Government for commemorating Chieftains Martyrs Day at national level by paying homage at National Memorial, Delhi.
He said Goa is a developing State. With the Prime Ministers Mantra of Vikasit Bharat Goa is becoming Swayampurna. India is the youngest country. 65% of population is below the age of 35 which is the most productive age. We have all the potential, capacity, ability, talent, intellectuals, we must chanellize our energy, strength and potential in a right perspective he said.
Leader of Opposition Shri.Yuri Alemao expressed satisfaction for incorporating history of Cuncolim Revolt in History syllabus of Std 9th and Std 11th class. He recalled various initiatives taken by him and trustees of Chieftains of Cuncolim Trust towards incorporating history of Cuncolim Revolt 1583 in school syllabus to create awareness among the student communities.
Shri. Alemao said that, Cuncolim Revolt could be a first non-co-operation movement in Asia against foreign rule.
Chieftains revolt is one for the oldest revolt in Asia having history of around 274 years. He thanked Chief Minister for bringing the Chieftains revolt in history subject.
President, Goa Freedom Fighters Association, Shri Dad Dessai; President, Chieftains Memorial Trust, Shri Oscar Martins; Additional Collector, Shri Ramesh Gaonkar; Superintendent of Police, South, Shri Tikam Singh Verma, IPS and Joint Secretary, Home, Shri Tushar Halarnkar were present on the occasion.
On the occasion Superintendent of Police, Retired, Shri Santosh Dessai and Shri Dilip Dessai were felicitated with Cuncolim Shree award for their tremendous contribution towards social upliftment and upright service. While Shri Rajiv Dessai; Shri Sairoj Dessai and Mrs Elba Noronha were felicitated with Cuncolim Jyoti award for their remarkable contribution in the field of education . Shri Darshan Vatvankar was awarded with Cuncolim Mitra award.
Students of Bal Bhavan and Cuncolim United Higher Secondary presented welcome and patriotic songs.
Shri Dad Dessai also spoke on the occasion.
Shri. Vijay Kumar Kopre compered the programme.
