Goa Tourism Minister Laid to Rest at His native Village

The mortal remains of Goa Tourism Minister Mathany Saldanha were laid to rest at his native village in Cansaulim in South Goa on Saturday evening.

Many dignitaries including BJP senior leader Arun Jaitley, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and several politicians attended the funeral service conducted at St Thomas Church. Goa Governor K Shankarnarayanan paid tribute by laying floral wreath.

Thousands of people gathered at the church to have a glimpse of the 64-year-old leader who died of cardiac arrest on March 21.

"May the almighty give courage and strength to the bereaved family members to endure the irreparable loss," IBNS quoted Archbishop of Goa and Daman Rev Fr Philip Nery Ferrao addressing the gathering.

"He selflessly worked for the neglected communities including fishermen, toddy tappers and also stood firm for protecting the environment. His demise is an irreparable loss to everybody," said Arun Jaitley.

(Inputs from IBNS)