PANJIM: Governor Satya Pal Malik and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have extended their greetings and good wishes to the people of the State on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day.
In his message, the Governor said, “On the joyous occasion of Liberation Day of Goa, I extend my greetings and good wishes to the people of Goa. 19th December is a landmark occasion in the glorious history of Goa. It was on this day in the year 1961 that the territory of Goa was liberated from the 450 years old Portuguese colonial rule, thereby making it as an integral part of our Motherland. Freedom fighters from Goa and other parts of the county took part in this historic Goa Liberation movement. They suffered and sacrificed their precious lives for the noble cause of Goa’s liberation. The Indian Army, with the commendable courage and heroism, physically took over the control of the territory. It is only appropriate that, on this memorable day, we recall the tremendous efforts made by our freedom fighters, their struggle, sufferings and sacrifices, and also the victorious action of the Army, and express our gratitude to them. Let us pay homage to those who laid down their valuable life for the territory’s freedom,” the Governor said.
He added, “Post-Liberation, big strides were made in mass education and health infrastructure and services. Employment in the myriad government and private institutions, and boost in infrastructure development set the pace for Goa’s credible human development indices. Tourism began to grow which added to the profits from iron ore mining. Agricultural also improved with capital infusion and Government subsidies.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said his Government is committed to promote the well being of all sections of people and to strive hard for the development of state and the nation at large.
Sawant said that December 19 is a historic day as it was on this day in 1961 did Goa become a free state. The Chief Minister said, “On this memorable day, let us recall the valiant efforts of our freedom fighters who fought against oppression, and the remarkable role played by the Indian Army in liberating Goa from Portuguese rule. On this day, let us resolve, rededicate ourselves and be united to keep our state clean and tidy, and to achieve progress and development in all spheres.”
Goa has been making stupendous progress in health, education, public welfare and other sectors since then. “We would continue to put in hard work to scale greater heights through our welfare oriented plans and programmes”, the Chief Minister said.
He made a fervent appeal to all sections to sink all differences and march towards the goal of development through united efforts.
