Animation film to memorialise Cuncolim chieftains’ valour

Margao: An upcoming animation film aimed at presenting Goa’s authentic history to younger generations will feature significant episodes from the historic Cuncolim uprising, in which 16 chieftains staged the first rebellion against colonial rule, said social welfare minister Subhash Phal Dessai.Speaking at a function held to commemorate the day at Cuncolim, Phal Dessai urged youth to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the 16 chieftains.He said that the Cuncolim uprising gained recognition at both state and national levels after the anti-colonial push was incorporated into textbooks for Class 9 and Class 11. Phal Dessai said that the chieftains of Cuncolim fought against the atrocities committed by the colonial rulers.Phal Dessai, who also holds the portfolio of archives and archaeology, said that govt is committed to preserving and conserving historical documents and land records of Goa. The digitisation of old land documents is currently under way.With this technology, manipulation of land records and land scams could be curbed in the state, he said. Nearly 10% of this digitisation work was completed, he said. Selected books will be made available in libraries to enhance students’ understanding of history, he added.Opposition leader and Cuncolim MLA Yuri Alemao said that govt sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore for the revamp of the Chieftains’ Memorial, with tenders already invited by the PWD.Statues of all 16 chieftains will be installed by July 15, 2026, he said.