Prime Minister Narendra Modi Goa would have been freed from Portuguese rule long before 1961 if Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had lived longer, he said on Sunday.
Modi was in Goa on the occasion of the state’s 60th Independence Day. Addressing an event at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Stadium in Talegaon, he congratulated the Goans on the Diamond Jubilee of the state’s liberation and said, “On this occasion, I would also say that if Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had lived for a few more years, Goa You won’t have to wait that long for your liberation.”
Patel played an important role in the integration of the states of the country into the Union of India after independence. He died in December 1950.
In the 30-minute address, Modi turned to Konkani more than once, after which the crowd burst into applause. The stadium also resonated with the slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Modi, Modi’ and ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Begin by saying “Samasta Goenkar Bhava Bahinink Maymogacho Yeukari [A very warm welcome to my dear brothers and sisters], Modi spoke of several rebellions while Goa was under Portuguese rule, as well as the contribution of its freedom fighters. The PM also spoke about his visit to Vatican City and said that he has invited Pope Francis to visit India. “I would certainly like to tell you what he (Pope) said after my invitation. Pope Francis said, ‘This is the greatest gift you have given me’. It is his affection for India’s diversity and our vibrant democracy,” Modi said.
He also honored freedom fighters and veterans of ‘Operation Vijay’ – the two-day tri-service military operation that led to the liberation of Goa.
Modi also remembered late Defense Minister and CM Manohar Parika and said: “He not only took Goa to new heights, but also expanded its potential. How can one remain devoted to his state, his people till his last breath? We saw this in his life,” Modi said.
Earlier, Modi paid floral tributes at the Martyrs Memorial at Panaji’s Azad Maidan and participated in a flypast at Miramar beach.
The PM also inaugurated development projects including the Super Specialty Block at Goa Medical College and the Aviation Skill Development Center at Mopa Airport. He also laid the foundation stone of India International University of Legal Education.
Modi also lauded CM Pramod Sawant: “The natural beauty of Goa has always been its hallmark but now the government here is strengthening another identity. Modi said that this new identity of the state is that of being a leader in every work of governance.
,