Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goan struggle for liberation was not only for civil liberties, it was also an expression of the long-suppressed longings to be one with India again. This was visible in the use of the Tricolour. The adoption of the Gandhian path for political struggle was also reflective of this emotional unity, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Saturday.
He was speaking on the occasion of the commencement of the 60th Goa’s Liberation Day celebrations in Panjim, which he inaugurated.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that our ancestors did not let the torch of freedom be extinguished. Many freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to keep it burning. The President also remembered them and paid his respects for their sacrifices.
The President said that when Goa was liberated, its physical infrastructure and industry were underdeveloped. Today, as Goa enters in its 60th year of liberation, it is proud to see that this State ranks first in terms of per capita income.
He said that the credit goes to the hardworking people, public representatives, government servants and industry of Goa. The President also said that as the entire nation is moving forward to strengthen the local economy, with the call of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the State Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swayampurna Goa’ is a commendable initiative.
He added that the share of the industrial sector in Goa’s GDP is among the highest in India. Despite its small size, the State has attracted investment from large business enterprises. Goa is known for the high quality of its pharmaceutical products and its pharma companies played an important role in the fight with the Covid-19 in India and abroad.
Praising the culture of Goa, the President said that it is a matter of pride for Goa that its citizens have adopted the Common Civil Code. By doing so, the cultural diversity in Goa has been encouraged. People of Goa have maintained communal harmony along with strengthening the democratic system and good governance. This unique model with active public participation is a classic example of the progressive thinking of the people of Goa.
Earlier during the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to extend greetings on the occasion.
“On the special occasion of Goa Liberation Day, greetings and best wishes to my sisters and brothers of Goa. We recall with pride the bravery of those who worked hard to free Goa. Praying for the continuous progress of the state in the years to come,” the PM tweeted.
