The Governor of Goa, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai has extended his heartiest greetings and warm wishes to every citizen of Goa on the momentous occasion of Goa Statehood Day. Calling Goa Statehood Day, a significant milestone in the state’s glorious history. The Governor said that it was on this day in 1987 that Goa became the 25th state of the Indian Union. He said, “The journey towards statehood was long and challenging. Although Goa was liberated from colonial rule in December 1961, a major debate followed regarding whether Goa should remain a separate entity or merge with neighboring states. An Opinion Poll in 1967 decisively upheld the people’s will to retain Goa as a distinct and independent entity. The May 30, 1987 stands as a tribute to the struggle of Goans to preserve their unique identity. Achieving statehood was a long-cherished dream, fulfilled in a truly democratic spirit. It granted the people of Goa their rightful individuality and provided opportunities to shape their own destiny”.
The Governor urged people to remember with gratitude the leaders, intellectuals, and citizens who contributed to this historic achievement. “Their efforts made statehood a reality and marked a defining chapter in our political history”, he said.
The Governor further added “Today, Goa is a modern, forward-looking state. Goans are known for their progressive values and hospitality. The peaceful coexistence of various communities, combined with the state's natural beauty, makes Goa a top tourism destination. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship, and architectural heritage, Goa is also blessed with rich biodiversity as part of the Western Ghats, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot”.Expressing happiness over the remarkable progress Goa has achieved in the past decades in sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more, the Governor said, “Goa today upholds the spirit of “Kartavya Kaal” by embracing the constitutional framework and contributing actively to building a developed, prosperous, and inclusive nation – Viksit Bharat”.
He went on to add, “that though one of India’s smallest states by area, Goa boasts the second-highest per capita income in the country. It is well-integrated across its north-south and urban-rural regions and is connected to major metropolitan hubs by road, rail, air, and sea. Goa was the first state in India to introduce rapid molecular testing (NAAT) as the primary diagnostic tool for early TB detection across the state using 19 NAAT machines since 2020. Goa has been awarded as the best-performing state under the Non-High Focus Category for its achievements in population health and family planning at the 7th JRD Tata Memorial Conclave. Goa is also among the first three states to implement the National Health Authority’s “100 Microsites Project”, on boarding private healthcare providers on the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, earning national appreciation as an early adopter and for the fifth consecutive year, Goa secured first place among small states in the State Food Safety Index by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Lauding Goa for being first state to establish the Goa State Schools Standards Assessment and Accreditation Authority to ensure the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Governor said. “According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), the Goa College of Pharmacy is ranked among the top 100 pharmacy institutes in India. Goa is the only state with an ISO-certified Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship”.
Delighted at the state’s significant investments in sports infrastructure, the Governor said, Goa is poised to emerge as a vibrant sports hub in the near future. “In a major infrastructure milestone, Goa has commissioned India’s first curved cable-stayed bridge, connecting Sada to Varunapuri and the Goa International Airport—a source of immense pride. Goa is the first state to establish a full-fledged Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. As per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2024 released by NITI Aayog, Goa maintains its 4th rank, earning a place in the “Front Runner” category”, the Governor continued.
The Governor said, since assuming office as the Governor of Goa in 2021, he has undertaken several Yatras across the state—Goa Gram Sampurna Yatra, Saimik Daiz Yatra, Dweep Parichay Yatra, and Goa Giriarohan Yatra—to connect with the people and understand their aspirations. “In light of a recent unfortunate incident in Goa and the broader challenges faced by the nation, I announced a new initiative—the “Khushal Kalyan Yatra.” As part of this Yatra, I visited various places of worship, such as Shree Anant Padmanabh Temple (Savoi Verem), Shree Mahalasa Narayani Temple (Mardol), and Rachol Seminary (Margao), offering prayers for peace, happiness, and the well-being of all”.
The Governor informed that, in a historic first, statues of ancient Indian medical luminaries Acharya Charaka and Sage Sushruta were unveiled at the Raj Bhavan in Goa, marking a significant tribute to the founders of Ayurveda and surgery. “The bronze statues were installed in the Vamana Vriksha Kala Udyan (Bonsai Garden) within the Raj Bhavan premises, which houses over 1,008 potted bonsai trees, making it the largest collection in India’s public sector. The inauguration ceremony was led by Hon’ble Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar. The installation aims to honor the profound contributions of Charaka and Sushruta to medical science and to preserve India’s rich medical heritage. Additionally, the garden features conceptual drawings of over 1,000 ancient Ayurvedic procedures and instruments, further emphasizing the state’s commitment to revitalizing traditional healing practices”, the Governor said.
On the memorable occasion of Goa Statehood Day, the Governor appealed to people to rededicate themselves to the vision of a Viksit Goa and Viksit Bharat and work together with unity, commitment, and pride.
JAI HIND”.