India has only one
mantra -nation first,
stands for humanity: Modi

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PANAJI (Goa) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India is an idea, a family that stands for protecting the interests of humanity.

Addressing a gathering at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium here on the Goa Liberation Day celebrations, PM Modi said, “India has a spirit where the nation is above the ‘self’ and is paramount. Where there is only one mantra – nation first. Where there is only one resolve – Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”

PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the Goa Liberation Day Function, in Panaji on Sunday. (ANI Photo)

“The land of Goa, the air of Goa, the sea of Goa, have been blessed with a wonderful gift of nature. And today, this enthusiasm of the people of Goa, is adding to the pride of liberation,” the Prime Minister said.

“I also had the privilege of paying homage to the martyrs at the Shaheed Memorial at Azad Maidan. After paying homage to the martyrs, I also witnessed the cell parade and fly past in Miramar. I got an opportunity to honour the veterans of Operation Vijay,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that Goa came under Portugal at a time when other major parts of the country were ruled by the Mughals. “Countless political storms and turbulence has been witnessed by Goans. But even after centuries of distance between time and the upheaval of power, neither Goa has forgotten its Indianness, nor has India forgotten its Goa. This is a relationship that has only grown stronger with time.”

“The people of Goa also did not allow the movements for liberation and Swaraj to stop. They kept the flame of freedom burning for the longest time in the history of India. This is because India is not just political power. India is an idea, a family that stands for protecting interests of humanity,” PM Modi said. 

On the occasion of Goa Liberation Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium here on Sunday.The Prime Minister felicitated the freedom fighters and veterans of ‘Operation Vijay’ at the function. Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the success of ‘Operation Vijay’ undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces that liberated Goa from Portuguese rule.

He inaugurated multiple development projects including the renovated Fort Aguada Jail Museum, Super Speciality Block at Goa Medical College, New South Goa District Hospital, Aviation Skill Development Center at Mopa Airport and the Gas insulated Substation at Dabolim-Navelim, Margao. He laid the foundation stone for India International University of Legal Education and Research of Bar Council of India Trust at Goa.

PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays foundation stone of multiple development projects in Goa, on the occasion of the Liberation Day Function, in Panaji on Sunday. (ANI Photo)

The Prime Minister released a Special Cover and Special Cancellation to mark the commemoration of the Indian Armed Forces freeing Goa from Portuguese rule. This special episode of history is shown on the special cover, whereas the special cancellation depicts the war memorial at Indian Naval Ship Gomantak, constructed in memory of seven young gallant sailors and other personnel who laid down their lives in “Operation Vijay”.

The Prime Minister released ‘My Stamp’ depicting the Hutatma Smarak at Patradevi, which salutes the great sacrifices made by the martyrs of Goa Liberation Movement. A ‘Meghdoot Post Card’ depicting a collage of pictures of different events during the Goa Liberation Struggle will also be presented to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister distributed awards to the best Panchayat/Municipality, Swayampurna Mitras and beneficiaries of Swayampurna Goa Programme.

Goa would’ve been liberated earlier

had Sardar Patel lived longer: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday Goa would have been liberated earlier had Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, former Deputy Prime Minister of India, lived longer.

The Prime Minister also recalled his recent meeting with Pope Francis and the contributions of former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Addressing a gathering at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Panaji on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day celebrations, the Prime Minister said, “31 Satyagrahis had lost their lives in the Satyagraha of Goa Mukti Vimochan Samiti. Think about these sacrifices, about heroes like Punjab’s Karnail Singh Benipa. There was turmoil within them because, at that time, a part of the country was still under the control of the Portuguese, some countrymen had not got freedom even then. And today I will also take this opportunity to say that if Sardar Patel sahib had lived for a few more years, Goa would not have had to wait that long for its liberation.”

“Some time ago went to Italy and Vatican City. There I also had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis. His attitude towards India was overwhelming. I also invited him to visit India. I definitely want to tell you that what he said after my invitation. Pope Francis said – ‘This is the greatest gift you have given me’. This is his love for India’s diversity, our radiant democracy,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said, “The natural beauty of Goa has always been its hallmark. But now, the government here is empowering another identity of Goa. The new identity of the state is that it ‘tops’ in every field of work. Elsewhere, when the work starts or the work progresses, Goa finishes it.”

“When I see these achievements of Goa, this new identity being strengthened, I also remember Manohar Parrikar ji. He not only took Goa to new heights of development but also expanded Goa’s potential. How honest the people of Goa are, how talented and hardworking they are…the country used to see the character of Goa within Manohar ji. How can one remain devoted to his state, his people till his last breath…we saw this in his life,” the Prime Minister said.

On the occasion of Goa Liberation Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated multiple development projects at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium here on Sunday.

The Prime Minister felicitated the freedom fighters and veterans of ‘Operation Vijay’ at the function. Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the success of ‘Operation Vijay’ undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces that liberated Goa from Portuguese rule. He inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 650 crore in Goa. (ANI)