Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
My greetings to all the brothers and sisters of Goa! Present in this historic program are Goa Governor Shri P.S. Sridharan Pillai ji, energetic Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Sawant ji, Deputy Chief Ministers Chandrakant Kavlekar ji and Manohar Ajgaonkar ji, my colleague in the Union Cabinet Shripad Naik ji, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Rajesh Patnekar ji, all ministers of the Government of Goa, public representatives, officials and my brothers and sisters of Goa!
“म्हज्या मोगाळ गोंयकारांनो, गोंय मुक्तीच्या, हिरक महोत्सवी वर्सा निमतान, तुमका सगळ्यांक,मना काळजासावन परबीं ! सैमान नटलेल्या, मोगाळ मनशांच्या, ह्या, भांगराळ्या गोंयांत,येवन म्हाका खूप खोस भोगता”! The land, air and the sea of Goa have been blessed with a wonderful gift of nature. Today this enthusiasm of the people of Goa is adding to the pride of liberation of Goa. I am as happy as you are to see the pride of Goa's glorious history on your faces today. I am told that due to the shortage of space here, two huge pandals have been erected nearby and all the people are sitting there.
Friends,
Today Goa is not only celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of its liberation, but the memories of this journey of 60 years are in front of us. The saga of struggle and sacrifices is also before us. It is the outcome of the hard work and dedication of lakhs of people of Goa that we have been able to cover a long distance in a short span of time. And when there is so much to be proud of, new resolutions for the future come about automatically. New dreams begin to take shape. It is also another happy coincidence that this Diamond Jubilee of Liberation of Goa is being celebrated with the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence. Therefore, the dreams and resolutions of Goa are giving energy to the nation today.
Friends,
Before coming here, I also had the privilege of paying homage to the martyrs at the Shaheed Memorial at Azad Maidan. After paying homage to the martyrs, I also witnessed the sail parade and fly past in Miramar. Here also, I got the opportunity to honor the heroes of ‘Operation Vijay’ and the veterans on behalf of the country. Goa has given so many opportunities and amazing experiences today. That is the nature of lively and vibrant Goa. I express my gratitude to the people of Goa for this affection and belongingness.
Friends,
One the one hand, we are celebrating Goa Liberation Day today, and on the other hand, we are also taking new steps for the development of Goa. Different departments and agencies of the Government of Goa were rewarded for the successful implementation of AatmaNirbhar Bharat and SwayamPurna Goa. Awards were also given to the panchayats and municipalities of Goa for their excellent work. Today the renovated Fort Aguada Jail Museum, Super Specialty Block of Goa Medical College, South Goa District Hospital, and gas insulated sub-station at Dabolim-Navelim were also inaugurated. Goa Medical College and Aviation Skill Development Center at Mopa Airport have also been inaugurated. I congratulate all of you for these achievements and development projects.
Friends,
The nation has appealed to every countryman for 'Sabka Prayas' (collective efforts) during this Amrit Mahotsav. The liberation struggle of Goa is a great example of this mantra. While I was looking at the Shaheed Memorial at Azad Maidan, I found that it is shaped with the figures of four hands. It is a symbol of how the people from four corners of India stood together for the liberation of Goa. Goa came under Portuguese domination around the time when most of the rest of India was under Mughals. Since then, this country has seen so many political upheavals and changes of governments. But even after centuries of interval and the upheaval of power, neither Goa forgot its Indianness, nor did the rest of India forget Goa. This is a relationship that has only grown stronger with time. The struggle for the liberation of Goa is such an immortal flame that has remained ignited and unwavering despite thousands of storms of history. From the Cuncolim rebellion to the Maratha conflict led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji, there were several efforts to free Goa.
Friends,
India became independent before Goa. Most of the people of the country had got their rights. Now they had time to live their dreams. They had the option that they could fight for power and assume the position. But there were many fighters who gave up all these and chose the path of struggle and sacrifice for the liberation of Goa. The people of Goa also did not let the movements for liberation and Swaraj to slacken. They kept the flame of freedom burning for the longest time in the history of India. This is because India is not just a political power. India is an idea and a family to protect the interests of humanity. India is a spirit where the nation is above the 'self' and is paramount and where there is only one mantra -- Nation First – and where there is only one resolve – ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Supreme India). Luís de Menezes Bragança, Tristao Braganza da Cunha, Juliao Menezes, fighters like Purushottam Kakodkar and Laxmikant Bhembre, or the sacrifices of youth like Bala Raya Mapari continued with agitations even independence, suffered hardships and sacrificed, but did not let this movement to cease. From Ram Manohar Lohia ji before independence to many Jan Sangh leaders after independence, this liberation movement went on continuously. Remember, Mohan Ranade ji, who was imprisoned for launching a movement for the liberation of Goa. He had to endure years of torture in prison. He had to remain in jail for many years even after the liberation of Goa. At that time, Atal ji raised his voice in Parliament for a revolutionary like Ranade ji. Many leaders associated with the Azad Gomantak Dal had also dedicated their lives for the Goa movement. There were many fighters like Prabhakar Trivikram Vaidya, Vishwanath Lavande, Jagannathrao Joshi, Nana Kajrekar and Sudhir Phadke who fought for the liberation of Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and gave direction and energy to this movement.
Friends,
Thirty-one Satyagrahis had to lose their lives in the Satyagraha of Goa Mukti Vimochan Samiti.
Imagine about these sacrifices, about heroes like the brave Karnail Singh Benipal of Punjab. There was turmoil within them because a part of the country was still not free; some countrymen had not got freedom. And today I would take this opportunity to say that if Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had lived for a few more years, Goa would not have had to wait so long for its liberation.
Friends,
History of Goa is not merely a symbol of India's resolve for Swaraj, it is also a living document of India's unity and integrity. Goa gave space for every thought to flourish. Goa has demonstrated how every religion and sect adds color to 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat'. Goa is the place that preserved the holy relic of St. Queen Katevan of Georgia for centuries. Just a few months ago, India handed over the holy relic of St. Queen Ketevan to the Georgia government. These sacred relics of St. Queen Ketevan were found in the St. Augustine Church here in 2005.
Friends,
Everyone fought together for the liberation struggle of Goa. The Pinto Revolt against the foreign rule was led by the native Christians. This is the identity of India. Here everybody believes in service to mankind. The entire world appreciates this unity and diverse identity of India. Sometime ago, I went to Italy and Vatican City. There I also had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis. His attitude towards India was very overwhelming. I also invited him to visit India. And I must tell you what he said after my invitation. Pope Francis said: "This is the greatest gift you have given me". This is his affection for India's diversity and our vibrant democracy.
Friends,
The natural beauty of Goa has always been its hallmark. But the present government here is empowering another identity of Goa which is on top of everything. While the work either begins or makes some progress elsewhere, Goa completes it by then. Goa has always been the choice of people as a tourist destination, but now Goa is on the top when it comes to good governance. Be it the per capita income, open defecation-free state, separate toilet facilities for girls in schools, door-to-door garbage collection, tap connection for every household under the 'Har Ghar Jal' scheme, Aadhaar enrollment, food security, all-weather road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, birth registration, Goa's record is 100%. This list is so long that the time may fall short while I count. My congratulations to Pramod ji and your entire team! What Goa has achieved is unprecedented. What the people of Goa have done is really commendable. I want to congratulate the Government of Goa and all the people of Goa in particular, for your one new achievement and this is 100% vaccination! All the eligible people in Goa have been vaccinated. The campaign for the second dose is also going on in full swing. You are among the first states of the country to do this marvel. I congratulate the people of Goa for this.
Brothers and sisters,
When I look at these achievements of Goa, strengthening this new identity, I also remember my close friend Manohar Parrikar ji. He not only took Goa to new heights of development, but also expanded Goa's potential. The country used to see the character of Goa, the honesty, talent and hardworking people in Manohar ji. In his life, we have seen how one can remain devoted to his state and his people till his last breath. I also take this opportunity to bow to my best friend and great son of Goa, Manohar ji.
Friends,
The campaign, which was started by Parrikar ji for the development and for increasing the immense potential of tourism in Goa, continues with the same zeal even today. The speed with which Goa is recovering from such a huge global pandemic of Corona is clearly visible. Continuous efforts are also being made by the Central Government to give a new impetus to the tourism industry, whether it is simplification of visa rules, increasing the number of countries with e-visa and supporting the tourism industry from all sides. The success of the recently held film festival also shows how tourism is growing in Goa.
Friends,
The Goa government built good roads, strengthened infrastructure and services, which led to an increase in the convenience of tourists here. Similarly, highways, expressways and hi-tech infrastructure are being modernized across the country. The railways are being rejuvenated, airports are being built in all the cities of the country, and as a result, travel of people is becoming easier. The people planning to visit Goa now do not have to drop their plans worrying about the connectivity. Work has also been started on the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan to give strength to this mission now. This GatiShakti mission will usher in a new era of infra and tourism in the country in the near future.
Friends,
If on the one hand it is the infinite ocean in Goa, on the other hand, the youth here have ocean-like dreams. A broad vision is also needed to fulfill these dreams. I can say that Pramod Sawant ji is working today with such a vision. Coding and robotics are being promoted in schools in Goa for future ready education, technical education is being subsidized and the government is also waiving 50 percent fee for higher education. The Aviation Skill Development Center, which has been inaugurated today, will also create new employment opportunities for the youth. Similarly, if the country is standing on its feet with the resolve of the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ campaign, then Goa is giving strength to the country with the 'SwayamPurna Goa' mission. I also had a chance to have a virtual talk with the 'SwayamPurna’ friends of this mission. The way all of you are moving towards making Goa self-reliant, the way the present government is going door to door and ensuring online government services for citizens, the rapid way with which corruption is being reined in Goa, this is the resolve of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas' which is being realized in Goa.
Friends,
As the country is making new resolutions for 100 years of independence in the Amrit Mahotsav of freedom, I call upon you to take new resolutions and set new goals for Goa when it completes 75 years of its liberation. The same continuity should continue in Goa. We don't have to stop and don't let our speed slow down. “गोंय आनी गोंयकारांची, तोखणाय करीत, तितकी थोडीच! तुमकां सगळ्यांक, परत एक फावट, गोंय मुक्तीदिसाचीं, परबीं दिवन, सगळ्यांखातीर, बरी भलायकी आनी यश मागतां”! Thank you very much! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Thank you.
