TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Governor Bharat Vir Wanchoo has extended greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Goa’s Liberation Day.
In his message the Governor has said that December 19 is being observed by Goa with great pride, excitement and enthusiasm. It is our moral duty to remember the great men and women who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the territory from the shackles of foreign rule, and to pay our respect and homage to them. Theirs was a saga of sacrifice.
The Governor said we should also recall the sterling role played by the Indian Army, which took possession of and liberated this territory on December 19, 1961. While the freedom fighters struggled and pursued the liberation movement with great spirit and steadfastness of purpose, the efforts of the Army helped in physically taking over control of the territory. I consider it an honour to acknowledge my sincere appreciation on behalf of the government and the people of Goa, towards our freedom fighters and the Army.
As Goa steps into yet another year of its liberation in the annals of its democracy the Governor mentioned that the citizens can take pride in the fact that they have not lagged behind in contributing their very best to the progress of the State and the country. He said the fruits of progress should reach all sections of our society, both in the rural and urban areas and only then can we rightly claim to be truly sovereign and democratic.
The Governor further mentioned that Goa, today, is passing through a silent revolution on the socio-economic front. There are several challenges on these fronts he said and said we can overcome these through planned and dedicated approach. Freedom should not be considered as an end in itself, but should be a means to the noble end of making Goa an ideal, peaceful and prosperous State.
The Governor said that one important facet on which we take great pride in Goa is the harmonious and peaceful social set-up which has always attracted tourists from far and wide. Special care needs to be taken by the government and the people to maintain this glorious tradition. We should try to establish new standards and values and thus give a new face to the State by promoting freedom and a liberal atmosphere, he said in his message.
He said Liberation Day is perhaps the most appropriate occasion for all of us to pledge to rededicate ourselves to that onerous task, which is undoubtedly difficult, but not impossible to achieve.
