Panaji:
Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Thursday announced that Raj Bhavan, Goa, will now be known as Lok Bhavan, following directions from the Union Home Ministry to shed colonial-era terminology.
The Home Ministry, in a letter to states and Union Territories, had cited a recommendation made at last year’s Governors’ Conference to rename Raj Bhavans, noting that the term reflects colonial legacy.
Several states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tripura, have already adopted the new nomenclature.
Speaking on the eve of Goa Liberation Day, the Governor said the renaming reflects a conscious shift towards democratic values. He said Lok Bhavan, meaning People’s House, would stand for transparency, inclusiveness and service to citizens, and would not merely function as an administrative centre but as a place where every Goan feels a sense of belonging.
““Today, on this historic occasion of Goa Liberation Day, I am pleased to declare that Raj Bhavan, Goa, will be known as Lok Bhavan, Goa. Lok Bhavan will genuinely work for the people, with the people, and in service of the people,” the Governor said.
Highlighting the significance of Goa Liberation Day, the Governor recalled the struggles endured during more than 450 years of colonial rule and paid tribute to the many known and unknown freedom fighters who resisted oppression. He said the day serves as a reminder of unity, courage and resilience that shaped Goa’s journey to freedom.
The Governor also underscored Goa’s progress over the decades, describing it as a model of harmony, education and cultural richness. He noted that the state has achieved 100 per cent literacy this year, calling it a major milestone in empowerment and human development.
Concluding his address, the Governor urged the people of Goa to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters by working towards a prosperous, vibrant and resilient future for the state and the nation.
