Goa played a defining role in many phases of my life: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and seers, pays obeisance before the 77-foot bronze statue of Shri Ram unveiled at Partagali Math in Canacona.

PANAJI 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Goa has played a defining role in several phases of his life, shaping his journey at every crucial turning point.

Modi was speaking at Partagali Math in Canacona, where he unveiled Asia’s tallest 77-foot bronze statue of Shri Ram as part of the 550th anniversary celebrations of Shri Samsthan Gokarna Partagali Jeevottam Math. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative Rs 550 coin and postal stamp to mark the historic occasion and a theme park on Ramayana was also inaugurated.

Earlier, Shrimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Swamiji personally accompanied the Prime Minister through the premises, explaining the historical and spiritual significance of various sites within the Math, which has been fully renovated.

In a deeply personal reflection, the Prime Minister acknowledged Goa’s lasting influence on him and his political career. “There are many phases of my life in which Goa has played a crucial role. At every turning point, this land has taken me forward and shaped my journey, I don’t know how this happened,” Modi said, calling the State an enduring source of inspiration in his public life.

Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Minister for State Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Shrimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Swamiji and others were present as the Prime Minister addressed over thousands of devotees from Goa and neighbouring Karnataka.

Reflecting on the State’s legacy, Modi said Goa’s rich spiritual heritage is deeply interwoven with its modern achievements. Despite facing periods when its temples, language and cultural identity came under severe pressure, Goa, he said, emerged stronger with time.

“These circumstances could not weaken the soul of Goan society; they strengthened it. Goa’s unique cultural resilience has preserved its essence through every change,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Highlighting Goa’s progress, the Prime Minister said the State continues to stand tall in per-capita income and has been a major contributor to India’s tourism, pharmaceutical and service sectors. In recent years, Goa has also achieved notable improvements in education and healthcare, he added.

Modi said that the joint efforts by the State and Centre to expand highways, strengthen rail links and improve airport infrastructure have greatly boosted tourism and pilgrim movement.

As India accelerates towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, Modi said spirituality, national service and development must progress together – a synergy he believes Goa exemplifies. “Today’s India is moving forward with new resolutions and new confidence while upholding its cultural identity,” he said.

Calling the new installations a major spiritual milestone, he highlighted that the 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram would stand as a lasting beacon for future generations. “Three days ago, I had the privilege of hoisting the religious flag atop the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and today, I have been blessed with the opportunity to unveil this grand statue here,” he said.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged the pivotal contribution of institution Partagali Math, which, he said, helped safeguard traditions and guide society for over five centuries. Modi said the institution had endured “many cyclones of time” over 550 years but never lost its direction. “Though rooted in history, this Math continued to move with time. It connects sadhana with seva and tradition with public welfare,” he said, adding that the Math had, for generations, imparted the understanding that the purpose of spirituality is to provide stability, balance, and values to life.

Calling the establishment’s milestone “a truly historic occasion”, the PM noted that the Math’s foundation in truth and service has ensured its continued relevance. Today, he added, it is inspiring a new wave of transformation and channelling the energy of youth towards national development. “The sentiment with which this Math was established is still visible today, vibrant as ever,” he commanded.

Modi also unveiled nine resolutions – ‘Nav Sankalps’ – that he wants the Math and the people of Goa to promote as part of India’s Mission Viksit Bharat 2047. These include – water conservation, planting a tree ‘Ek Ped Ma ke Nam’, cleanliness and hygiene, call for Vocal for Local, Dev Darshan, promoting natural farming, living healthy lifestyle, following yoga and sports and helping the poor and needy.