Goa retains Indianness even after Portugal, Mughals rule, says PM Modi
The prime minister recalled his meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City.
Panjim: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined Goans celebrating 60 years of Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule.
In a public gathering held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, he said " Goa came under Portugal rule when the other major part of the country was ruled by the Mughals. But even centuries later, neither Goa has forgotten its Indianness, nor India has forgotten its Goa."
The prime minister recalled his meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City. Recalling his conversation with Pope Francis, " Some time ago, I went to Italy and Vatican City. There I also had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis. I invited him to visit India, to which Pope Francis said “This is the greatest gift you have given me” This is his love for India's diversity, our radiant democracy."
He appreciated the performance of the coastal state in development indicators. PM Modi said, "The Goa is top in good governance, per capita income, and many others".
"I want to congratulate Goa for completing cent per cent coverage of 1st dose to all its eligible population. Today I can say that Pramod Sawant Ji is working with a big vision for the development of Goa," he said on the coverage of the vaccination in the state.
Also, he paid tribute to late defence minister Manohar Parrikar's commitment to the country. Also, Parrikar was the first BJP chief minister of the state.
PM Modi said, "The country through the character of Manohar Parrikar Ji saw how honest, talented, and hardworking the people of Goa are. Through his life, we saw that how one can remain devoted to his state, his people till his last breath."
Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated multiple development projects including the renovated Fort Aguada Jail Museum, Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College, New South Goa Dist Hospital, Aviation Skill Development Center at Mopa Airport and Gas-insulated Substation at Davorlim, Navelim in Goa.
