NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Governor Dr Mridula Sinha has extended greetings and good wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Goa Statehood day.
In her message, the Governor says, “It was on this day in the year 1987, that Goa became a full-fledged state in our great country. This historic recognition not only raised the image of this erstwhile Union Territory, but also brought added responsibility to the people to man the affairs. Today, we look back with great satisfaction at the achievements made by the state in different fields.”
During the years after liberation, she said that “Goa has acquitted itself very well indeed on the socio-economic development front. Attainment of statehood is yet another very significant development for which credit goes to the people.”
The various developmental projects and programmes that are being initiated and implemented by the state are a clear and real indication that Goa is on the move to achieve great progress, she said.
The Governor said that she would like to remind the people of Goa, on this occasion, that health and educational needs of the people require priority and serious attention. “If we have to ensure health of the people, we have to first ensure that our people are able to get quality food.”
Goa’s socio-economic scenario is comparatively much better, however, she said “We should pay our continued attention to areas where improvements are needed.”
She said that “she is happy to say that the people of Goa are an awakened, enlightened and civilised lot. They have done a great deal of creative work and brought up the image and economic progress of their state to the level it occupies today.” I have no doubt that they know well how to prepare the way for the future sustainable development of their state. Goa has immense potential, both natural and human, which can serve the cause of a still far better life.”
There are a few issues, she said, are making regular headlines in the press and the people are concerned about them, such as regional plan, medium of instruction and garbage problem. She said she is confident that the government, under the dedicated leadership of the Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, supported by his cabinet colleagues, will address them in the best interest of the state and the people.
“Goa has acquired fame throughout the world for its natural beauty, cultural background and the hospitable and peaceful nature of the people. There has always been an atmosphere of unity and brotherhood among the people belonging to different sections of the Goan society. Many outstanding figures in politics, public life, law and administration, social service, medicine and education, art and culture, have come from this state,” she said.
On Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, she said that “if we have to achieve the objectives of this mission, we must lay emphasis on a moral and mental revolution. If our cities and public places are found unclean and garbage-ridden, we should put the blame on ourselves.”
“We must recognise cleanliness as part of our culture,” she added.
Further she said that with the increase in population and resultant developmental activities, the pressure on land and other resources is increasing. “This is true in the case of state of Goa also. Drinking water is a prime necessity. We need to protect our water resources. There should be an all-out and continuous effort for conservation of the natural resources, without which life cannot sustain,” she said.
She said what is of paramount importance is the fuller involvement of the people in the progressive efforts. “Having attained statehood is one thing, and it is quite another to be able to strive for the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of the people.”
The Governor has appealed to the people of Goa to carry forward their mission, with the same spirit of determination and dedication, with which they attained statehood, for achieving higher progress and prosperity.
