Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: As Goa marked Goa Asmitai Dis, speakers at a state-level programme in Panaji underlined the growing need to safeguard Goa’s cultural markers from dilution amid rapid social and economic change.
The programme, held at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, commemorated the historic 1967 Opinion Poll, when Goans voted to retain their distinct identity by rejecting the merger with Maharashtra. Speakers noted that while the Opinion Poll protected Goa’s political identity, today’s challenge lies in protecting its cultural markers — language, traditions, livelihoods, and indigenous products.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering, said that Goa’s identity cannot survive on symbolism alone and must be actively protected. Emphasising the importance of Geographical Indication (GI)–tagged products, he said these traditional markers act as legal and cultural safeguards against erosion and imitation. “GI tags ensure that Goa’s traditional produce and practices are not diluted or misrepresented,” he said.
The event highlighted 15 GI-tagged products that represent Goa’s cultural identity, including indigenous mango varieties, cashew and cashew apple, bebinca, feni, traditional rice, chillies, brinjals, bananas, khaje, and sat shiro bhendo. Producers associated with these products were felicitated for preserving authenticity in the face of commercialisation.
Addressing concerns over changing lifestyles and land-use patterns, speakers stressed that cultural dilution often begins with the neglect of traditional livelihoods. In this context, Kaushalya Mitra Cards along with an incentive of ₹50,000 were distributed to traditional salt pan workers and other occupational practitioners, reinforcing the link between cultural preservation and economic sustainability.
Officials present noted that Goa Asmitai Dis is not merely a commemorative event but a reminder that Goa’s cultural identity must be consciously protected through policy, education, and public participation.
The programme was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Secretary (Official Language) Prasad Lolayekar, senior government officials, GI-tagged product stakeholders, traditional occupational practitioners, and members of the public.
