Matanhy accorded state funeral with 21 gunshots
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 24 March 2012 19:05 IST
Matanhy Saldhana, the tourism minister who died on 21 March with a massive heart attack, was accorded a state funeral today with 21 gunshots.
At St Thomas Church in Cansaulim, Archbishop Rev Fr Philip Neri Ferrao concelebrated the eucharisitc celebration.
Matanhy’s body was wrapped in a national flag.
The homily was delivered by Fr Eremita Ferrao. Thousands of people from all walks of life had gathered in Cansaulim to pay last tribute the great hero of Goa.
Chief minister Manohar Parrikar, while speaking on the occasion, assured the gathering to take ahead the legacy of Matanhy.
“Matanhy was a simple man and always believed in working for Goa and Goans. We shared a common bond for believing in similar principles”, he said in a choked voice.
Alina, Matanhy’s wife, recalled at the moment 20 beautiful years she spent with him.
“He always told me that everything he does is to be remembered after his death. I couldn’t discuss anything else with him but Goa and its positives and negatives. I have no words to express”, she said in a bold speech she delivered.
Malisa Simoes, Matanhy’s niece and a young fighter in Anna Hazare’s anti-graft crusade, said her uncle always taught her that there is life beyond materialistic world and we need to live to make this life beautiful.
“Being a guide and mentor, Matanhy taught me to think beyond you and think outside the comfort zone. He looked tough but was actually a child at heart”, she recalled.
The whole Parrikar cabinet, Rajya Sabha opposition leader Arun Jaitley, North Goa MP Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik, political leaders belonging to several political parties as well as social activists were present at the funeral.
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matanhy the legend of goa
we will remember u always
- rohan naik, sancoale | 02 nd April 2012 16:14
I salute Matanhy Saldanha. He was a wonderful person. It will be very difficult to get another leader like him. May his soul rest in peace.
- Francisco G. Lourenco, Santa-Cruz, Ilhas, Goa. | 26 th March 2012 13:48
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