MARGAO: Stating that there is an urgent need to project the Goa model of development to the country, Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister and Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai emphasised the necessity to have a positive mind as negativism is destroying development.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the all Goa school level elocution competition organised by Goa Youth Forward, he said the youth should take up the leadership to create new history as Liberation of Goa from the Portuguese rule is already part of history now.
Pointing out that Goa is a relatively a young state that got liberated years after India got its Independence and despite missing two five-year plans, Goa ranks highest in various parameters including quality of life and hence said that Goa model of development has to be projected at the national level.
“Goa has unique culture and identity and that is why we could achieve so much,” he said and added that the unique model of Goa’s development should be adopted by other States too and said development by consent is the way forward.
“We talk about neo-liberation but we have to liberate ourselves today from various things including fear,” he said adding that it was fear that was giving rise to negativism because of which any and every project is sought to be objected to.
Goa Forward is a young party, he said and added that India is a young country as 65 % of its population is below the age of 35 and this will continue till 2026 when India will turn into a not so young country. “We have to strike the iron when it is hot and the youth have to take up the leadership to mould the country, as per their vision,” he said.
Encouraging the youth to come forward and take up responsibility in all spheres of life, he suggested that each student could adopt a tree during tree plantation drives and ensure that the plant grows into a sturdy tree.
