Madganvcho Awaaz To Observe “Asmitai Vars” Marking 60 Years Of Historic Opinion Poll
Margao: Madganvcho Awaaz will observe “Asmitai Vars” from 16 January 2026 to 16 January 2027, commemorating 60 years of the historic Opinion Poll of 1967, which decisively safeguarded Goa’s unique identity, language and culture. The year-long observance will honour the stalwarts of the Opinion Poll movement and the families who stood firm in defence of Goa’s Asmita, announced youth leader Prabhav Naik.
The year-long observance will be marked through a series of people-centric programmes, including public debates, seminars, competitions and celebrations aimed at recalling the historic struggle and passing its significance to younger generations.
As part of the 60th Opinion Poll Day celebrations on Friday, 16 January 2026, a special commemorative poster will be released by one of the heroes of the Opinion Poll movement, Advocate Uday Bhembre, Prabhav Naik informed.
Madganvcho Awaaz will also felicitate the living stalwarts of the “Janmat Kaul” movement in recognition of their invaluable contribution to preserving Goa’s identity. Those to be honoured include Adv. Uday Bhembre, Prof. Shyam Verenkar, N. Shivdas, Aruna Telang, Nirmala Sawant, Sadanand Kanekar, Tomazinho Cardozo and Smriti Audi.
The Opinion Poll was not merely a political event but a people’s movement that reaffirmed Goa’s civilisational ethos and democratic spirit. The sacrifices and conviction of these stalwarts ensured that Goa retained its distinct identity. Prabhav Naik also expressed pride that his great-grandfather Narcinv Naik and his grandfather Anant alias Babu Naik had actively contributed to the historic Opinion Poll movement.
The programmes under Asmitai Vars aim to create awareness among youth, strengthen public discourse on Goa’s identity, and inspire collective responsibility to protect the State’s cultural, linguistic and social fabric for future generations. Madganvcho Awaaz has appealed to citizens and institutions to actively participate and make Asmitai Vars a true people’s movement, said Prabhav Naik.
