PANAJI: Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, in his Independence Day message, said that despite Goa had to wait for 14 long years to be part of Indian union, the small State stands tall, economically vibrant, culturally rich and at the forefront of innovations, showcasing how unity, resilience, and vision can transform a region into a model contributor to India’s journey toward a developed, inclusive Viksit Bharat.
The Governor extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Goa, paying tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation’s independence.
“While the rest of India attained freedom in 1947, our own struggle continued. For fourteen long years, the people of Goa held on to the dream of joining the motherland. That dream was realised on December 19, 1961, when Goa was liberated and proudly became part of the Indian Union. Freedom may be delayed, but it can never be denied when people stand united,” the Governor said.
Reflecting on the significance of Independence Day not just for Goa, but for India as a whole, he added, “As we remember leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, along with countless unnamed freedom fighters, we also pay homage to the brave men and women of our armed forces, police, and civil services who protect our unity and integrity every day.”
Highlighting Goa’s achievements since liberation, he said, “The state is now embracing the principles of Kartavya Kaal, leveraging constitutional systems to contribute actively to the vision of a developed, prosperous, and inclusive India. Even though Goa is a small state, it has one of the highest per capita incomes in India and enjoys excellent connectivity across the country. Its cultural, historical, economic, and ecological significance is immense, with pristine beaches, heritage sites, and rich biodiversity in the Western Ghats.”
On healthcare and education, he noted, “Goa was the first state to implement rapid molecular testing for tuberculosis, deploying 19 NAAT machines since 2020, and has been recognised for outstanding achievements in population and family health. The state is fully literate and has established the Goa State Schools Standards Assessment and Accreditation Authority to ensure effective implementation of NEP 2020, alongside an ISO-certified Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for vocational training.”
On infrastructure and governance, the Governor said, “We have commissioned a novel cable-stayed bridge connecting Sada to Varunapuri and the Goa International Airport. Goa has secured the top position among small states in the State Food Safety Index for five consecutive years and maintains the 4th position in the SDG Index 2024. Tourism and economic growth continue to thrive while we preserve our ecological and cultural heritage.”
He concluded with a call to action: “Let us renew our pledge to work for the State and nation, building a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive India that fulfils the dreams of our freedom fighters and meets the aspirations of our youth.”
