PANJIM: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Friday said that Goa will soon become one of the few Smart States across the country.
He was speaking after unfurling the National flag at the State-level Republic Day function held at Goa University ground, Taleigao Plateau. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was also present.
Extending his greetings to the people on the occasion, Pillai said that Goa is a best State in all the sectors and the government being committed for overall development of the State, will achieve the distinction of becoming one of the few States in the country to become ‘Smart State’.
The Governor expressed his confidence that India’s dream of becoming Vishwaguru is on the right path and appealed to people, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, to work hard towards achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
The Governor stated that the world looks at India with admiration today, drawing inspiration from our rich traditions. He continued by acknowledging the rapid development of the State under the leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant andwitnessing growth in various aspects of life.
Earlier, the Governor took review of the parade. On the occasion, Vishram Umakant Borkar, Superintendent of Police at Raj Bhavan, was honoured with the President Police Medal for distinguished service. Additionally, Subhash Chandra, IAS Secretary (Information and Publicity), Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Secretary (Protocol); Ajit Roy, IAS, Secretary (Power); Swetika Sachan, IAS, Secretary (Sports); IGP, Omvir Singh, IPS, SP North Nidhin Valsan, IPS, SP South Abhishek Dhania, IPS, Shivendu Bhushan, Saurabh Kumar, IFS and Jabestin A, IFS were felicitated with the Chief Minister’s Award for excellence and innovation in Governance and Public Service Delivery.
Awardees from various departments including Goa Police, Goa Forest, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, PWD, and Goa Electricity were honoured by the Governor for their exceptional contributions in events such as the 37th National Games, International Purple Fest and G20 Summit.
Allywn Pereira, Information Officer, received a medal and certification for his outstanding work during the G20 meetings conducted in the State.
The 1st place for the Best Marching Contingent was secured by Our Lady of Rosary High School, Don Papula while, Navy Children School, Vasco claimed the second place, and the third place was awarded to Old Goa Educational Institute, Old Goa.
The best march past in the armed category was claimed by the Indian Army Contingent, and in the unarmed category, the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation’s (GHRDC) women contingent excelled.
