By Nisser Dias. 21st Feb 2013
It is indeed a nostalgic moment for Goa and its people that the 16th century Reis Magos fort has been renovated and restored. I really cannot say whether it has been restored to its past glory but the very fact that it has been restored under the guidance and supervision of our own renowned architect Gerald da Cunha I do not any doubts in my mind that he would leave any stone unturned to do a fantastic job of it.
That one of our heritage pieces has been restored gives me that deep feeling of happiness that somewhere someone appreciates our heritage and wants to spend huge amounts of money for its restoration. It gives us hope that hence forth our state government and also the Union government will learn from Lady Helen Hamlyn Trust and set a fund to restore many forts in Goa which are in ruins. The government while setting a fund should also make sure that only experts or professionals like Gerald da Cunha are engaged or made responsible along with historians so that restoration process once set in motion does not get entangled in red tapism and delayed and finally whatever money is spent shows up in the CAG audit report as wasteful expenditure.
We should raise our hats and bow to Gerald da Cunha simply because his grit and determination. He encountered so many hurdles with Shiv Sena trying hard to stall the restoration work, police case was filed against him. But his resolve and fortitude to look beyond these hurdles have paid dividends today. But the dividends are not for Gerald but for Goa, Goans and its future generations. For Gerald it must be only satisfaction that he completed the work he undertook. That is what a true Goan should be.
Surprisingly chief minister Manohar Parrikar extended government support to Helen Hamlyn Trust to promote Reis Magos fort as a tourism destination and also provide appropriate funds to the Reis Magos Heritage Society so that in few years it would generate its own funds and undertake renovations of other forts in the state. This is a step in the right direction. I am surprised because during his earlier stint as chief minister Parrikar was opposed to Fundacao Oriente undertaking restoration and renovations of Heritage buildings. One must remember Fundacao Oriente had renovated some heritage structures including Police Headquarters in Panjim. His contention was that major source income of Fundacao was through gambling. Of course, off-shore casinos were subsequently allowed to operate in Goa. Maybe this could have changed his mind-set.
Chief minister also disclosed tourism plans which would again be good to promote tourism away from the beaches of Goa. There is dearth of heritage tourism in Goa as its potential was never explored but it now seems that the shift from beach tourism to other areas have just begun and it would be very healthy for the state and its economy. But we should not forget to put a price to it. For example a hefty entry fee is charged for tours of churches and other heritage monuments in England and the revenue generated is utilised for the upkeep of these structures of architectural value and importance. The government should also pursue with the handicraft corporation to prepare models of our heritage structures for tourists to take as mementos.
Lady Helen Hamlyn Trust and architect Gerald has given the push and the roll should begin earnestly to restore our forts that are in ruins. I know that it is not an easy task but an arduous one but as it is said ‘nothing is impossible’, it only needs grit, determination, dedication, will power and financial aid.
I am also very glad that the freedom fighters association has also not raised its voice. Otherwise they are always in the forefront of playing their empty drums against anything and everything that is foreign. Although in the confines of their homes they enjoy it. It was surprising that they did not object to an English Trust pouring money to restore a Portuguese structure. This is indeed encouraging. Bygones should be bygones, we should be forward looking and restore, preserve our rich heritage for our generation to come.
One has to appreciate the greatness of Helen Hamlyn, a mere request by our own renowned cartoonist late Mario Miranda to restore the fort was accepted by her and today after some years we Goans have something to be proud about. We will also grateful to personalities like Helen irrespective of her nationality and also to Gerald da Cunha. At the same time they have done their bit and it is upto us now to keep this halo shining. Like Dipti Salgaocar has said it is their vision to make Reis Magos a living fort. They have their own plans towards this endeavour. The government should also think of ways of making students aware of this fort.
A chapter on Reis Magos fort should be introduced from the next academic year in the history books to teach students its importance. Next academic year government aided school students should be brought here for study tour. And this is possible because chief minister who has extended financial aid to the Reis Magos Heritage society also holds the Education portfolio.
Very soon students will be on summer vacation, parents should dedicate a day to take their children to the fort to see first-hand what it looks like. At the moment the first picture that comes to mind when you say fort is ruins. Helen Hamlyn Trust has changed that picture and given an opportunity to our children to have the right perception and we have to take advantage of it.
I conclude in the hope that in the near future other forts in Goa along with heritage monuments will be renovated, restored and preserved thus bringing the lost glory of Goa.
Send your comments/reactions to nisserdias@gmail.com Or SMS 9422437029)
