Panaji: 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."
"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 have 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.
PM Modi said that Goa would have been liberated from Portuguese rule much earlier had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel lived for some more time. "Had Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel been alive for a little more time, Goa would have been liberated earlier," Modi said.
Patel, deputy PM in the Nehru cabinet, died on December 15, 1950. He is credited with the liberation of Marathwada region in Maharashtra from erstwhile Nizam's rule.
On his recent visit to Rome, Modi said, Some time ago, I went to Italy and the Vatican City. There I also had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis. I invited him to visit India, to which Pope Francis said This is the greatest gift you have given me. This is his love for India's diversity, our radiant democracy.
Read: PM Modi offers floral tributes to martyrs on Goa Liberation Day
The Prime Minister inaugurated multiple development projects at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium here on Sunday. 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 the India International University of Legal Education and Research of Bar Council of India Trust at Goa.
The Prime Minister felicitated the freedom fighters and veterans of 'Operation Vijay' at the function.
Earlier today, he paid floral tributes at Martyr's Memorial, Azad Maidan in Panaji.
PM Modi 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".
He 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.
ANI/ PTI
