Marking the Goa Liberation Day on December 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated freedom fighters and veterans of ‘Operation Vijay,’ the military action that ended the Portuguese rule in the state in 1961.
Mr. Modi heaped praise on Goa for keeping its national identity intact under a prolonged foreign rule.
Prime Minister said ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and that the nation is above one’s self.
Good Governance
Commending late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the Prime Minister said that he reflected the honesty and diligence of the people of Goa. He complimented Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for good governance in the state.
PM Modi also praised the coastal state for 100 percent vaccination (first dose).
A mention of Pope
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Pope Francis during his G-20 visit, made a mention of the Pontiff in Goa.
The Pope said that the invitation to visit India was the greatest gift, and expressed his love for India’s diversity and vibrancy, the Prime Minister reminisced.
About a quarter of Goa’s population is Catholic.
Inaugurates projects
The Prime Minister said that while the nation celebrates Goa Liberation Day, steps are being taken towards the state’s development.
Mr. Modi inaugurated five projects on his trip to the poll-bound state.
- The renovated Fort Aguada Jail Museum
- Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College
- New South Goa District Hospital
- Aviation Skill Development Centre at Mopa Airport
- Gas insulated Substation at Dabolim-Navelim, Margao.
Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone for the India International University of Legal Education and Research of the Bar Council of India Trust at Goa.