PANAJI: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 is directly linked to the progress of its states, asserting that "there is no Viksit Bharat if there is no Viksit Goa.”
Speaking at the 40th Goa Statehood Day celebrations at Kala Academy today, he said the country’s development journey demands collective progress. “As India moves forward on the path toward Viksit Bharat, a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive nation by 2047, we have to grow together,” he said, adding that it was his first official visit to Goa after assuming office.
Describing Goa as more than a small state, Radhakrishnan said, “We are always saying Goa is a small state. Rather, we can say Goa is a beautiful state. Small is always beautiful.” He said the state reflects India’s plural character, calling it a living civilization shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, intellectual openness, maritime enterprise, and social harmony.
He added that Goa stands at the intersection of multiple identities. “It has always stood at the confluence of heritage, progress, tradition, modernity, local pride, and global outlook. Everything is together. That is the beauty of Goa,” he said.
On economic prospects, the Vice President said the maritime sector and blue economy would be key drivers of growth. “The blue economy will be one of the defining pillars of progress,” he said, while stressing that development must not come at the cost of ecology. “The preservation of Goa’s ecology, coastline, rivers, forests, and heritage is not merely a local responsibility. It is a national imperative,” he added.
He also underlined that development must be inclusive, saying, “No development can be called development unless it is an inclusive development for every section of the society.” He further added that the future belongs to economies that can grow while preserving ecological balance.
Referring to democratic conduct after elections, Radhakrishnan said political differences should not hinder governance. “Elections may be coming. At that time, we opposed each other because democratic rights are given to every citizen, so we have to differ on opinions,” he said. “But once the elections are over, we have to work together for the betterment of the state and the nation. That should be the real democratic spirit.”
He went on to praise Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for an inclusive and people-centric approach and paid tribute to freedom fighters, along with the late former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, whom he described as “a visionary leader whose simplicity, integrity, and dedication left a lasting mark on Goa’s progress.”
Addressing the youth, he said Goa’s strength lies in its people. “To the youth of Goa, I say this: your state’s greatest strength lies in your creativity, openness, and the confidence that you have today,” he said. He added that the state’s future will be shaped by young leadership, envisioning Goa as a small state with big vibrancy playing a key role in India’s growth story.
