CELEBRATING GOA: Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan, Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, ministers, and other dignitaries at the Statehood Day function at Kala Academy on Saturday.
PANAJI
As Goa celebrated its Statehood day on Saturday, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan called on the coastal State to position itself at the forefront of India’s emerging blue economy while hailing that Goa’s unique blend of natural resources, cultural heritage and environmental consciousness placed it in a position to become a national model for sustainable development.
Addressing the Statehood Day celebrations at Kala Academy, Radhakrishnan said the challenge before governments was to pursue economic growth without undermining ecological balance, and argued that Goa was particularly suited to demonstrate how the two could coexist.
“The future belongs to economies that can grow while preserving ecological balance, and Goa can emerge as a national model for sustainable coastal development,” he said. The official function also attended by Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, ministers and others.
The VP pointed to Goa’s long coastline, marine wealth and fishing sector as prime strengths to drive growth in the years ahead through the blue economy, adding he was encouraged by the State’s efforts to explore opportunities in the sector while maintaining its environmental commitments.
Radhakrishnan stressed that economic progress must benefit all sections of society and warned against measuring development solely through infrastructure or financial indicators.
“No development can be called development unless it is inclusive development for every section of society.”
He further described the protection of Goa’s rivers, forests, coastline and cultural heritage as a responsibility that extended beyond the State’s borders.
“Goa is admired not only for its beauty but also for the harmony between people and nature. Preserving this balance is a national imperative," the VP said.
Addressing young Goans, he urged them to build on that legacy through innovation, entrepreneurship, science, sports and public service, saying the State’s future would be shaped by their imagination and leadership.
In his address, Sawant attributed Goa’s development trajectory to the support extended by the Centre and the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying major investments in infrastructure and public services were reshaping the State’s future.
“The infrastructure being created today has been planned to benefit Goa for the next 50 years,” the CM said as he mentioned that projects across sectors such as transportation, healthcare, education and public infrastructure were laying the foundation for long-term growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
He maintained that Goa’s development agenda was aligned with the broader national goal of building a developed India.
Sawant said the government remained committed to balancing economic expansion with the preservation of Goa’s environment, culture and heritage.
“Goa is a land of gods, temples and faith. Though small in size, it is the bindi of the motherland, blessed with abundant heritage and culture,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of renowned Goan cartoonist Mario Miranda was inaugurated, paying tribute to his contribution to Indian art and culture.
Separately, President Droupadi Murmu extended Statehood Day greetings to the people of Goa, describing the State as a success story in education, technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
