Panaji, August, 2016: The foundation stone laying ceremony of the ‘Freedom Fighters Memorial and surrounding areas at Patradevi – Phase I’ was done today at the hands of Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Goa in the distinguished presence of, Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Minister for Panchayat, Forest & Environment and MLA of Pernem Constituency, Shri Sidharth Kuncalienker, Hon’ble Vice Chairman of GSIDC & MLA of Panaji Constituency, Shri. Ramesh Sawal, Zilla Panchayat Member, Torse, Pernem & Shri Vilas Shetye, Sarpanch, V.P. Torse, Pernem, Goa.
Under the visionary leadership of Shri Pramod P. Sawant, Hon’ble Chairman, GSIDC is helping lead the way in building quality infrastructure for the state of Goa. Currently the coporation is in the process of building roads, bridges, hospitals, colleges, schools, libraries, stadiums, jetties, bus stands, cultural centres and market complexes and is involved in the holistic development of rural and urban spaces.
Adding to this list of works, GSIDC has undertaken the work of “Development of Freedom Fighters Memorial at Patradevi and Areas surrounding the Memorial-Phase I.”
Inspired by nature, the memorial structure will have an innovative design that resembles a leaf. Not only will it exude the historical values of the state but it hopes to add value to the freedom struggle, reminding people for generations to come, of the monumental sacrifice undertaken by our freedom fighters. The memorial also serves as a definitive point that marks the border between Goa and Maharashtra.
The project is developed on a plot that spans 12,347 sq mts with a built up area of 455 sq mts. This includes a cafeteria, souvenir shop, toilet block as well as ample provisions for parking. The memorial is designed with a terraced landscape and trees representing each of the 48 martyrs from 1955. The names of the martyrs are inscribed on the wall that runs along the circular ramp.