By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Dec 20:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the Goa liberation diamond jubilee celebrations organized at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao, located in the southern part of Panaji, the capital of Goa on Sunday.
On the occasion, he felicitated freedom fighters and veterans of “Operation Vijay”, the military action in 1961 by which India liberated the territories of Goa, Daman and Diu from Portuguese rule. He also laid a wreath at the martyr’s memorial, Azad Maidan located opposite the Goa Police headquarters in Panaji. A 100 men tri-service Guard of Honour was presented during the ceremony and buglers played “The Last Post”.
The Prime Minister also witnessed a Parade of Sails by boats of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and civil agencies and a flypast by aircraft of the Indian Navy, from the Miramar beach, bustling area in Panaji.
The Diamond Jubilee events were coordinated by the Indian Navy in the presence of Vice Admiral AB Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command and Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area.
The state of Goa celebrates December 19 every year as its Liberation Day. To mark 60 years of Goa’s liberation, Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held. The diamond jubilee celebrations were set in motion on December 19, 2020 by President Ram Nath Kovind on banks of the Mandovi river in Panaji, with the state government rolling out many programs since then. The Centre too had announced a grant of Rs 300 crore for Goa.
In his speech at main function in Taleigao, Modi said that Goa would have been liberated from Portuguese rule much earlier had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel lived for some more time. Patel, former Home Minister, in the Jawaharlal Nehru cabinet, died on December 15, 1950. He is credited with the liberation of Marathwada region in Maharashtra from erstwhile Nizam’s rule.
Goa’s Diamond Jubilee
The PM said that today Goa is not only celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of its liberation, but the memories of this journey of 60 years are also in front of us. We also have a saga of struggle and sacrifices before us, the results of the hard work and dedication of lakhs of Goans, due to which we have come a long way. Goa went under Portugal at a time when the other large part of the country was ruled by the Mughals. After that, this country has seen so many political storms, how much power has been slammed.
With elections slated for February 2022, Modi underscored the BJP’s links to Goa. He remembered his old friend and former Goa CM Manohar Parrikar and said that by his character the country has seen how honest, talented and hardworking the people of Goa are. During his life, we saw how one can remain devoted to his state, his people, till his last breath.
Appreciating the work of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Modi said Goa topped in good governance, per capita income and many other parameters, like exclusive toilet facility for girls in schools, tap water in every household, door to door waste collection, and food security.
Modi recalled his recent meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican city and the warm sentiments that the head of the Catholic Church had for India following Modi’s invitation urging the Pope to visit the country. After I gave him my invitation, Pope Francis said “this is the greatest gift you have given me” this was his love for India’s diversity and our vibrant democracy” Modi said.
When Goan freedom fighter Mohan Ranade continued to languish in a Portuguese prison for over a decade after Goa was liberated, the matter was pursued by former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said. Urging the Goan people to achieve greater heights by 75 th year of state’s liberation, Modi said that state was giving strength to the country through its flagship “Swayampurna Goa’ program.
Goa has not forgotten its Indianness
Modi said, Goa had gone under Portugal at a time when there was a Mughal sultanate in the second largest part of the country. After that, this country has seen many political storms, but even after centuries of distance between time and power, neither Goa has forgotten its Indianness, nor India has forgotten its Goa. He said, India is such a spirit, where the nation is above ‘self’, it is paramount. Where there is only one mantra – nation first. Where there is only one resolution – Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat.
Inaugurated many projects
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a raft of development and public work projects worth Rs 600 crore in the poll-bound State, stressing the BJP’s deep ties with Goa in his speech. The project included: the revamped Fort Aguada Prison Museum, Super Specialty Block at Goa Medical College, New South Goa District Hospital, Aviation Skill Development Center at Mopa Airport and Gas Insulated Sub Center at Davorlim-Navelim, Margao.
The BJP’s massive show of strength in form of Modi’s presence was seen as a counterpoint to West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s hectic campaigning in Goa.
