Matanhy Saldanha Roundabout Cansaulim is dedicated to Jose Matanhy de Saldanha who was born on October 24th, 1948 in Carmona, Goa.
Jose Matanhy de Saldanha was a compassionate person, prominent social worker, journalist, former member of Goa Legislative Assembly and an exemplary teacher. He was known for his advocacy of Goan identity and the values and culture of Goans.
His favourite quotation was " it’s better to live in hope than to die in fear." and he lived it.
He was an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, prominent activist, environmentalist and visionary whose love for Goa and its people remained paramount throughout his entire life. His political begins as a Zila Parishad member in 2001 of Cortalim and in 2002 he was elected as a member of Legislative assembly of Cortalim and in 2004 he was Minister of Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs and Captain of Ports in the Manohar Parrikar led government. In 2012 he remain Minister For Tourism, Forest Science, Technology and Environment in the BJP led government.
Before becoming active in politics he led the anti pollution movement against Zurai Agro Chemicals Limited in 1974, resulting the central water act 1976 was brought in force.
He died at the age of 63 on 21st March 2012. Indeed this Roundabout is a memorial of Jose Matanhy De Saldanha whose contributions will be remembered.