PANAJI: On this day in 1987, Goa transitioned from a Union Territory to become the 25th state of the Indian Union. As the state enters its 39th year of Statehood today, leaders from across the political spectrum took to social media to celebrate Goa’s unique legacy and emphasise the need to protect its distinct identity and cultural heritage.
President Droupadi Murmu, in a message shared on X, lauded Goa’s enduring charm, calling on both residents and tourists to embrace sustainable tourism. “Goa's rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, warm hospitality and several other attractions continue to draw visitors from across the world,” she wrote. “Preserving its culture is a shared responsibility. May the state of Goa continue to thrive and contribute to the making of Viksit Bharat.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the people of Goa on their Statehood Day, calling Goa’s unique culture “India's pride.” He praised the Goan community for making “a strong mark in diverse sectors” and noted that the state “has always been drawing people from all over the world.” Highlighting the progress made over the last decade, he wished that Goa “continue to scale new heights of development in the times to come.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Goa as a “global tourist destination” renowned for its “vibrant cultures and heritage,” and offered prayers for its continued development. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal echoed the sentiment, admiring Goa’s “picturesque beauty and vibrant culture,” and wishing it success in scaling “new heights of prosperity.”
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called Goa a “symphony of colours, culture, history and heritage,” while BJP National President J.P. Nadda praised the state’s “scenic landscapes and breathtaking beaches,” highlighting its unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Leaders from the Congress party also joined in commemorating the day. Rahul Gandhi described Goa as the “land of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history,” and stressed the importance of preserving its heritage. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, whose leadership was instrumental in granting Goa statehood in 1987, and wished Goans a future of “growth, harmony and prosperity.”
Goa’s Statehood Day commemorates the culmination of years of political dialogue and popular movements that followed its liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961. A pivotal moment in this journey was the historic 1967 Opinion Poll, in which Goans decisively voted against merging with Maharashtra, thereby preserving their unique cultural and linguistic identity, centred around Konkani.
