Says Goa would have been liberated much earlier if Sardar Patel had lived a little longer
Modi showers praise on Goa Govt; urges Goans to set new goals to achieve greater heights by 75th year of state’s liberation
Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today claimed that if former Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had lived a little longer, Goa would not have needed so long to get liberated.
Stating that Goa tops in good governance, the Prime Minister remembered his former colleague ex-Union Defence Minister and Goa CM late Manohar Parrikar and said that Seeing Goa prosper and strengthen its identity reminds him Parrikar.
Modi was in Goa to participate in the 60th Goa Liberation Day celebration.
“If former union home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had lived for a little longer more than Goa would not have needed to wait so long to get liberated ( from the Portuguese rule),” Modi said while addressing a public meeting at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium.
“Goa came under Portugal rule when the other major part of the country was ruled by the Mughals. But even centuries later, neither Goa has forgotten its Indianness, nor India has forgotten its Goa,” he added.
Modi said that Goa is top in good governance.
“Goa is top is in all aspects like ODF, Har Ghar jal, schools for girls, birth registration and other aspects,” he added.
The Prime Minister congratulated CM Dr Pramod Sawant and his team for overall development.
Speaking about his recent visit to Rome and meeting with Pope Francis, he said, “Some time ago, I went to Italy and Vatican City. There I also had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis. I invited him to visit India, to which Pope Francis said, “This is the greatest gift you have given me” This is his love for India’s diversity, our radiant democracy.”
He further said that Goa is top in good governance, per capita income, and many others, and I want to congratulate Goa for completing a cent per cent coverage of 1st dose to all its eligible population.
“Today, I can say that Pramod Sawant is working with a big vision for the development of Goa,” he added.
Modi said that the country, through the character of Manohar Parrikar, saw how honest, talented, and hardworking the people of Goa are, and through his life, we saw that how one can remain devoted to his state, his people till his last breath.
PM Modi also urged the people of Goa to set new goals to achieve greater heights by 75th year of the state’s liberation. He also congratulates chief minister Pramod Sawant for keeping the pace of development up in Goa.
On the occasion of Goa Liberation Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. The Prime Minister felicitated the freedom fighters and veterans of Operation Vijay’at the function. Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the success of Operation Vijay undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces that liberated Goa from Portuguese rule.
He inaugurated multiple development projects, including the renovated Fort Aguada Jail Museum, Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College, New South Goa District Hospital, Aviation Skill Development Center at Mopa Airport and the Gas-insulated Substation at Dabolim-Navelim, Margao. He laid the foundation stone for the India International University of Legal Education and Research of Bar Council of India Trust at Goa.
The Prime Minister released a Special Cover and Special Cancellation to mark the commemoration of the Indian Armed Forces freeing Goa from Portuguese rule. This special episode of history is shown on the special cover, whereas the special cancellation depicts the war memorial at Indian Naval Ship Gomantak, constructed in memory of seven young gallant sailors and other personnel who laid down their lives in Operation Vijay.