The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today graced the 40th Statehood Day celebrations of Goa in Panaji.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said it was a privilege to join the people of Goa on the momentous occasion marking four decades of the State attaining statehood. He noted that this was his first official visit to Goa after assuming office as Vice-President of India.

Recalling the historic significance of 30 May 1987, when Goa became the 25th State of India, the Vice President said the occasion affirmed the unique identity, aspirations and democratic spirit of the people of Goa. He remarked that Goa stood at the confluence of heritage and progress, tradition and modernity, and local pride and global outlook.

The Vice-President praised the people of Goa for their commitment to education, civic consciousness and social inclusiveness. He said the warmth and hospitality of the people made Goa truly special and noted that the State’s achievements in literacy, healthcare, environmental awareness and human development stood as examples for the nation.

Paying tribute to former Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, the Vice-President described him as a visionary leader whose simplicity, integrity and dedication left a lasting mark on Goa’s progress.

The Vice-President also commended the leadership of the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, for guiding the State towards progress and prosperity. He said Goa had made remarkable strides in infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism and digital governance under Dr. Sawant’s leadership, while preserving its rich cultural heritage and identity.

Highlighting India’s democratic traditions, the Vice-President said that differences of opinion and political contestation were natural in a democracy, especially during elections. However, he emphasised that after elections, all sections must work together in the spirit of cooperation and collective responsibility for the development of the nation. He added that Goa’s vibrant democracy and strong community institutions reflected a society that values participation, dialogue and dignity.

Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Vice-President said Goa had an important role to play in India’s future growth story. He observed that the Blue Economy would be one of the defining pillars of India’s progress and expressed satisfaction that Goa was emerging as a leader in this sector. With its educated population, entrepreneurial spirit, strategic coastline and global connectivity, Goa was uniquely positioned to contribute to the country’s next phase of growth and innovation, he added.

The Vice-President remarked that Goa’s journey demonstrated how modernity could be embraced without losing cultural roots and how a society could welcome the world while preserving local traditions. Emphasising sustainable development, the Vice President said Goa could emerge as a national model of sustainable coastal development.

Addressing the youth of Goa, the Vice President said the State’s greatest strength lay in the creativity, openness and confidence of its young people. He encouraged them to contribute actively in fields such as entrepreneurship, science, arts, sports, innovation and the Blue Economy.

Calling for renewed commitment towards unity, prosperity, sustainability and social harmony, the Vice-President urged citizens to work together to build a Goa that remains vibrant in culture, strong in economy and secure in its future.

During the celebrations, the Vice-President inaugurated an exhibition dedicated to the life and works of renowned cartoonist Shri Mario Miranda at Kala Akademy, Panaji. He also released a commemorative postage stamp and special cover in his honour and unveiled a coffee table book titled “Goa Engineering the Next Era”.

The Vice-President also presented awards to iconic Goan brands and distinguished individuals, handed over appointment letters, felicitated awardees under the Gopal Ratna Award Scheme, Swayampurna Mitras and Swayampurna Villages, and launched the enhanced assurance cover under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana.

The Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju; the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant; Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Naik; Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar; Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Sadanand Tanavade; Ministers of the Government of Goa and other distinguished dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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PR/ASM/VMJ