PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday led the first of the State-level 'Tiranga Yatra' when he flagged it off from the flag post opposite the Old Secretariat in the capital city -- where the Tricolour was hoisted for the first time after Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule.
The Tiranga Yatra wound its way from the old Secretariat to the historic Azad Maidan in which a few hundred citizens, including school children enthusiastically participated.
Cabinet minister, Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate, Rohan Khaunte and Nilkhant Halarnkar, BJP State president Sadanand Shet Tanavade and other BJP leaders also participated.
Sawant who spoke on the occasion said: "I salute all the Freedom Fighters who fought for the Independence of India. I thank all those who participated in the Tiranga Yatra.” Those who contributed in the freedom struggle of Goa will be felicitated on Independence Day, he said at the march.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ushered a new era of development in the country.
Tanavade appealed to Goans to bring the national flag home as the nation celebrates its 75th year of Independence.
"Invoke the feeling of patriotism in the people’s hearts and promote awareness about the Indian National Flag," he said.
A similar march was also organized in Margao during the day under the leadership of Public Works Department Minister Nilesh Cabral.
