MARGAO
Goa Forward Party president and former Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai dedicated the International Politician of the Year 2026 award, conferred upon him at a ceremony held at the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, to the people of Goa, stating that the recognition belonged to every Goan striving to preserve the State’s unique identity, culture and way of life.
In his acceptance speech, Sardesai expressed gratitude to the organisers, the jury, his family and, above all, the people of Goa for standing by the ideals of “Goa, Goenkar, Goenkarponn.” He said the award was not merely a personal honour but a tribute to Goa’s enduring struggle to safeguard its distinct identity.
Describing Goa as India’s smallest yet one of its most liberal, inclusive and progressive States, Sardesai recalled that Goa remains the only State in modern India to have preserved its distinct identity through the historic Opinion Poll. He said that ever since then, Goans have continued to fight to protect their land, culture, traditions and identity against changing circumstances.
Using the international platform, Sardesai raised the long-pending issue of dual citizenship affecting thousands of people of Goan origin across the world. He pointed out that many Goans, because of Goa’s Portuguese history, are eligible to acquire Portuguese citizenship, but only by surrendering their Indian citizenship. He described this as a painful conflict between identity and opportunity for generations of Goans and the Goan diaspora.
Sardesai called for constructive dialogue that protects India’s national interests while addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Goan diaspora. He said that democratic institutions must find a balanced and statesmanlike solution to this issue, which has remained unresolved for decades despite affecting a significant section of the Goan diaspora. He expressed hope that discussions initiated from such international democratic platforms could eventually contribute towards a meaningful resolution.
Reaffirming his long-standing commitment to Goa, Sardesai said that the recognition should not be seen as the culmination of his public life but as renewed encouragement to continue fighting for Goa, Goanness and the State’s distinct identity. He reiterated that his politics would continue to remain rooted in the principle of being “vocal for local” and in safeguarding Goa’s unique heritage for future generations.
