Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as the State government claims it is for Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn, it appears to have given the Day when Goa achieved statehood a miss.
Sources revealed that no official function was organised to mark the day. The entire 12-member Cabinet is said to have been in Delhi for the swearing in ceremony of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
More importantly, the leaders are in Delhi for the swearing in of North Goa MP Shripad Naik in the Modi government.
With their absence in the State, the ministers, including the chief minister, have taken to social media to wish Goans on Statehood Day. Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, extending his greetings, in a video message on social media said, “May 30th is a memorable day in the glorious history of Goa, as it was on this day in 1987; we became a full-fledged State of Indian Union. We became equal partners with other states in the nation-building process, along with the added responsibility to shape our own destiny.”
The Chief Minister added, “As a result of our collective effort, Goa has made rapid progress and we have come a long way since the day of our statehood. It’s a day to reflect on our achievements and evolve a strategy to achieve our much-desired status of a prosperous and advanced state.”
Dy Chief Minister and Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai greeted Goans in Konkani. IT Minister Rohan Khaunte’s message on Twitter read, “My heartiest wishes to all my Goenkars on #GoaStatehoodDay. Let us continue to support each other and work towards becoming the developed and progressive state of our dreams.”
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PM Modi greets Goans
“On Goa’s Statehood Day, my greetings to the people of Goa. Goa epitomises harmony, brotherhood and progressive values. The State has made a rich contribution to India’s progress. May Goa continue developing in the times to come,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on Statehood day. May this beautiful State go from strength to strength in the years to come,” tweeted President of India Ram Nath Kovind.
Wishes also poured in from several other leaders. “A State of great caliber and a bright future, my warm greetings to the people of #Goa on the happy occasion of their #StatehoodDay. Here’s wishing for progress and prosperity in the State always!” tweeted BJP leader Suresh Prabhu.
Arunachal Chief Minister tweeted, “My best wishes to people of Goa on their Statehood Day. Hope Goa, the land of beautiful beaches, scenic beauty and friendly people continue to scale new heights of development.”
