PONDA: As Goans, especially villagers of Borim, are looking forward to the celebration of birth centenary of Bakibab Borkar (1910-1984) -- the legendary poet who penned great poetry in Konkani and Marathi – the family members of Padmashree awardee are not keen on government taking over the poet’s house at Borim.

As part of commemoration of the birth centenary from November 30, the Konkan Marathi Parishad has urged the Goa government to take over and beautify the ancestral house of Bakibab.
The president of Konkan Marathi Parishad, Mr Ramakant Khalap said the Parishad has suggested the state government that it should take over the ancestral house of the legendary poet and beautify it. The government should pay compensation to the
poet’s family for the suggested takeover. He said the suggestions on government takeover of the poet’s house have not been put forth to hurt the sentiments of family members of the poet.
Mr Khalap, a member of the birth centenary celebration committee, informed that suggestions have officially been conveyed to the government.
But the idea of government taking over Bakibab’s house has not caught on with poet’s family, which is a joint household.  A family member of the poet, who looks after the house, shied away from commenting on the suggested takeover, saying “it is a personal matter’’.
Borim villagers remember the poet for bringing laurels to Borim. Mr Ramesh Vanskar, a member of Pragathi Vichar Munch, Borim, said the 700-metre-long Paniwadda-Borim road,  was named B B Borkar Marg some years back to cherish the memory of the great poet.
An elderly villager said some ten years ago a board bearing words ‘Shanti Niketan’ was put up at the entrance of the poet’s house. The reason was: Bakibab wrote several poems highlighting the importance of peace and environs of Borim village.
The Borim villagers have been trying to keep Bakibab’s literary traditions alive.  Every year, on July 8, the death anniversary of the poet, Pragathi Vichar Munch and Pratibha Friend Circle hold poetry competitions and book exhibitions at Borim.
On December 25, this year, a statue of Bakibab will be installed at Borim. The Borim panchayat has also decided to set up a library at the panchayat office in the memory of Bakibab.