Team Goemkarponn
OLD GOA: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the Government of Goa, with the support of the Central Government, was working towards building a drug-free and TB-free India, and stressed the need for collective participation to address the challenges.
Speaking at the state-level Gandhi Jayanti celebration at Gandhi Chowk, Old Goa, Dr. Sawant said efforts to tackle drug abuse must involve all sections of society. He placed the issue alongside broader initiatives aimed at public welfare and social development.
The Chief Minister said the government was pursuing these efforts in keeping with the values associated with Mahatma Gandhi, including cleanliness, rural development, farmer welfare and self-reliance.
Dr. Sawant also highlighted the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign and cleanliness initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the country’s journey towards an Aatmanirbhar Bharat was being carried forward in line with Gandhian ideals.
Referring to the wider national development agenda, Dr. Sawant identified Yuva Shakti, Nari Shakti, Kisan Shakti and Garib Kalyan as four pillars of progress towards a self-reliant India. He also referred to efforts against terrorism and Naxalism.
The programme, which also marked the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, saw Dr. Sawant recall Shastri’s message of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
Personnel of the Old Goa Fire Station were also felicitated for their dedicated service. The awardees included Sub-Officers Rohidas D. Parab and Pandurang S. Kankanakar, and Leading Fire Fighters Amit V. Rivanakar, Vinayak V. Naik and Ugam V. Shet Govekar.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai, District Panchayat Member Siddhesh S. Naik, Old Goa Sarpanch Medha M. Parvatkar, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou and other officials and dignitaries.
