Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that politics should be driven by the goal of social good and not personal gain, as he reiterated the government’s Antyodaya–Sarvodaya–Gramodaya vision aimed at inclusive growth, youth empowerment and village-level development.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of Adi Lokotsav-25 at Adarsh-Gram, Amone (Poinguinim), Sawant said the government is committed to reaching the last person in society (Antyodaya), ensuring welfare for all (Sarvodaya) and achieving holistic development of every village (Gramodaya). “We are not doing politics for ourselves. We are doing it for the betterment of society so that every child becomes self-reliant and stands on his or her own feet,” he said.
Praising the scale and spirit of Adi Lokotsav, organised by Adarsh Yuva Sangh, Shree Balram Education Society and the Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare and Tribal Research departments, Sawant said the festival was not limited to any one art form but celebrated the talents of youth, women, farmers and tribal communities. He noted that the exhibitions showcasing art, agricultural produce, traditional foods and medicines had provided a platform for people to display and market their skills and products.
The Chief Minister also lauded Minister Ramesh Tawadkar for highlighting the legacy of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda by organising events marking his 150th birth anniversary. “Birsa Munda’s contribution to the freedom movement and his sacrifices for the ST community and farmers are now being introduced to the younger generation,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of skilling, Sawant urged the youth not to rely solely on degrees. “Along with graduation and post-graduation, today’s youth must focus on skilling, reskilling and up-skilling to become problem solvers and stand on their own feet,” he added.
Referring to Canacona’s agricultural performance, Sawant said local farmers had achieved double production over the past five years and topped the state in horticulture output. He said the taluka was close to becoming self-sufficient in horticulture, while assuring continued government support through departments such as agriculture, tribal welfare and water resources wherever needed.
Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, in his address, said Adi Lokotsav was playing a vital role in preserving Adivasi culture and rural traditions. “Goa’s true identity lies not just in its scenic beauty but in its culture, farmers and tribals — from Dhol-Tansa and Ghumat to Fugdi, Ghoff, Dallo and Lok-Natya,” he said.
Minister for Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare and Sports & Youth Affairs Ramesh Tawadkar said the event reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant Bharat. He said Canacona was working towards becoming “swayampurna” and highlighted the opportunities arising from the formation of the new Kushavati district, of which Canacona is a part.
Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, former deputy chief minister Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar, tribal leader and ex-TRIFED chairman Ramsingh Rathwa, and several local representatives and panchayat leaders were also present at the event.
