Goa, December 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended the function marking the Goa Liberation Day celebrations in Goa. The Prime Minister felicitated the freedom fighters and veterans of ‘Operation Vijay’ the function.
He inaugurated multiple development projects including 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 and the Gas insulated Substation at Dabolim-Navelim, Margao.
He also laid the foundation stone for India International University of Legal Education and Research of the Bar Council of India Trust at Goa.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the land of Goa, the air of Goa, the sea of Goa, have been blessed with a wonderful gift of nature. And today this enthusiasm of all, the people of Goa, is adding to the pride of liberation of Goa.
He said that he had the privilege of paying homage to the martyrs at the Shaheed Memorial at Azad Maidan. After paying homage to the martyrs, he also witnessed the cell parade and fly past in Miramar. He also expressed his happiness for honouring the heroes of ‘Operation Vijay’ and veterans on behalf of the country. The Prime Minister thanked the spirit of vibrant Goa for providing so many opportunities, so many amazing experiences that Goa has brought together today.
The Prime Minister noted that Goa came under Portuguese domination around the time when most of the rest of India was under Mughals. India witnessed many upheavals after that. Modi noted that even after centuries and the upheaval of power, neither Goa forgot its Indianness, nor did the rest of India forgot Goa.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the late Manohar Parrikar.
“When I see these achievements of Goa, this new identity being strengthened, I also remember my friend Manohar Parrikar ji. He not only took Goa to new heights of development, but also expanded Goa’s potential. How can one remain devoted to his state, his people till his last breath? We saw this in his life,” he said.
He concluded that the nation saw the reflection of honesty, talent and diligence of the people of Goa in Manohar Parrikar.
