Panaji: Vice-president C P Radhakrishnan and governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, at an event to celebrate Goa’s 40th statehood day, stressed on preserving Goa’s ecology, coastline, rivers, forest, and heritage with sustainable development.Addressing the gathering at Kala Academy, Panaji, Radhakrishnan said, “Let’s us work together to build a Goa that remains vibrant in culture, strong in economy, compassionate in society, secure in its future, and important partners in the national vision which is Atmanirbhar Bharat”.Radhakrishnan said that the blue economy is growing, and people’s interest in consuming fish is one of the reasons. “Today the blue economy will make a difference, and Goa should lead the blue economy,” said Radhakrishnan.The vice-president also said that the future belongs to an economy which can grow while preserving ecological balance, and Goa can emerge as a national model for sustainable coastal development.“At the same time, no development can be called development unless it is inclusive development for every section of society. The preservation of Goa’s ecology, coastline, rivers, forest, and heritage is not merely a local responsibility, but a national imperative,” he said.He also said that the world admires Goa not only for its beauty but for harmony between its people and nature. Safeguarding balance is essential for future generations. “The story of Goa reminds us of identity and progress that can go hand and hand, and it is the greatest achievement of Goa. The future of Goa will be shaped by young Goans’ imagination and leadership,” he said.Governor Raju said that Goa is today witnessing rapid progress in infrastructure connectivity, tourism, education, digital governance, healthcare, and investment, at the same time, there are conscious efforts to preserve the unique ecological and cultural character that defines Goa. He said that Goa occupies a very special place in India’s national life, and that, though geographically small, its contributions are immense, and that Goa has always been a meeting point of cultures and ideas.Raju said that a land with diversity thrives naturally, and that the spirit of harmony, tolerance, and coexistence visible in Goa is an example for the entire nation as India moves forward confidently towards the vision of a developed India by 2047. Goa has the opportunity to become a model state for sustainable and inclusive growth, he said.Raju also said that the future of our lives in Goa lies not only in its beauty and tourism potential, but also the strength of its human capital, innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge economy, and environmental stewardship.Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that Hindu, Christian, and Muslim have lived in Goa with religious harmony, and that govt would continue to work so that all communities live peacefully in the state for the next 50 years. He added that Goa is the only state to implement a common civil code for all religions.During the function, top businessmen were felicitated for their contributions to the state’s economy, and appointment letters were handed to 120 Goa police PSIs.
