Goans kept the flame of freedom burning: PM

Team Herald

PANJIM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the people of Goa did not allow the movements for liberation and swaraj to slacken and kept the flame of freedom burning for the longest time in the history of India. 

Speaking at the commemoration of 6oth anniversary of Goa Liberation at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao on Sunday, he said if Sardar Patel had lived for a few more years, Goa would not have had to wait so long for its liberation”.

Stating that Goa came under Portuguese domination around the time when most of the rest of India was under Mughals, he said that  India witnessed many upheavals after that.  

He noted that even after centuries and the upheaval of power, neither Goa forgot its Indianness, nor did the rest of India forgot Goa. This is a relationship that has only become stronger with time. This is also because India is not just a political power. India is an idea and a family to protect the interests of humanity. 

Modi thanked the spirit of vibrant Goa for providing so many opportunities, so many amazing experiences that Goa has brought together today.

The Prime Minister remarked that India is a spirit where the nation is above the ‘self’ and is paramount. Where there is only one mantra – Nation First. Where there is only one resolve – Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

The Prime Minister said there was turmoil within the heart of people all over India because a part of the country was still not free and some countrymen had not got freedom. He remarked that if Sardar Patel had lived for a few more years, Goa would not have had to wait so long for its liberation. 

Bowing to the heroes of the struggle, he said that 31 satyagrahis had to lose their lives in the Satyagraha of Goa Mukti Vimochan Samiti. He urged everyone to think about these sacrifices and about heroes like Punjab’s Veer Karnail Singh Benipal. 

“History of Goa’s freedom struggle is not just a symbol of India’s resolve but is a living document of India’s unity and integrity”, he said.

Recalling his recent meeting with Pope Francis, the Prime Minister said that the Pope’s attitude towards India was equally overwhelming. Talking of his invitation to the Pope to visit  India, Modi recalled Pope Francis’ reaction to his invitation “This is the greatest gift you have given me”, the Pope had said. The Prime Minister highlighted this as Pope’s love for India’s diversity and radiant democracy. 

The Prime Minister also talked about the handing over of the holy relics of Saint Queen Ketevan found at Old Goa in 2005 to the Government of Georgia.

Noting Goa’s strides in governance, the Prime Minister said the new identity of the State is that of being the foremost in every task of governance. Elsewhere, when the work starts, or the work progresses, Goa finishes it. 

He gave the example of Goa’s stellar making the State Open Defecation Free (ODF), 100 per cent immunisation, ‘Har Ghar Jal’, registration of births and deaths and other schemes for enhancing the ease of life for the people. 

Modi praised the performance of Swayampurna Goa Abhiyan and complimented the Chief Minister and his team for the achievement in governance of the State. 

He also talked about the steps taken for the promotion of tourism in the State. 

The Prime Minister paid tributes to former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar. “When I see these achievements of Goa, this new identity being strengthened, I also remember my friend Manohar Parrikar ji. He not only took Goa to new heights of development, but also expanded Goa’s potential. How can one remain devoted to his State, his people till his last breath? We saw this in his life”, he said concluding that the nation saw the reflection of honesty, talent and diligence of the people of Goa in Parrikar.  

Modi felicitated freedom fighters and veterans of ‘Operation Vijay’ at the function. 

He also inaugurated multiple development projects including the renovated Fort Aguada Jail Museum, Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College, New South Goa District Hospital at Margao, Aviation Skill Development Centre at Mopa Airport and the Gas Insulated Sub-Station at Davorlim.

Earlier, Modi laid a wreath at the Martyrs Memorial at Azad Maidan and later witnessed sail parade and fly past at Miramar Beach.