CANACONA: The Canacona Patrakar Sangh (CPS) celebrated Patrakar Din by paying tribute to veteran farmers and remembering freedom fighter and journalist Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak at the paddy fields of Gulem, Canacona.
The programme began with a floral tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, honouring the nationalist leader, social reformer and founder of the newspapers Kesari and The Maratha.
The main highlight of the event was the felicitation of ten senior farmers from Gulem and Chapoli villages for their decades of dedication towards agriculture and preservation of traditional farming practices. The honour included two farmers above the age of 90, four octogenarians and a senior woman farmer.
The farmers honoured were Ram Velip, Panglo Velip, Pangodo Gaonkar, Kantu Gaonkar, Ghatu Velip, Fondu Velip, Parvathi Gaonkar, Chandrakant Gaonkar, Ganesh Velip and Bangdu Gaonkar.
Shristhal Village Panchayat members Nilesh Gaonkar and Ganesh Gaonkar appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of the farming community and highlighted their important role in society.
CPS President Babesh Borkar welcomed the gathering, while senior journalist Ajit Poinguinkar spoke about the evolving role and challenges of journalism today. Photojournalist Soiru Komarpant and journalist Narayan Desai spoke about Lokmanya Tilak’s contribution to society and journalism.
The programme was compered by journalist Sanjay Komarpant.
As a mark of respect, journalists present sought the blessings of the elderly farmers, recognising their invaluable contribution to agriculture and society.
