Minister for IT and Tourism Shri Rohan Khaunte today said that we should always remain indebted to the supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters who fought tirelessly and valiantly to achieve liberation for Goa from Portuguese regime. The Minister was speaking after unfurling national tricolour to mark the celebration of 63rd Goa Liberation Day held at Mapusa today.
Extending his greetings to the people on the occasion of Liberation Day, the Minister said our known and unknown freedom fighters and martyrs shed their blood during freedom struggle movement to liberate Goa from Colonial yoke. He said ever since the liberation of Goa 62 years ago Goa has made numerous progress particularly in the area of IT, Tourism, education, health, and infrastructure etc. Goa, he said is gifted with beautiful beaches and enchanting rivers due to which Goa has emerged as a international tourism hub.
The Minister also highlighted the progress made by Goa in tourism sector. Goa, he said is known world over for its cultural heritage, ethos, hospitality, eco-tourism and wellness which he mentioned needs to be enriched, promote to maintain Goa’s identity.
The Minister reminded the people about the Shiv Shourya Yatra held by the Government to make people particularly the younger generation aware about the immense contribution made by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a great Maratha Warrior for Goa and country as a whole.
Shri Khaunte said efforts are being made to project Goa beyond beaches and for inclusive tourism. Steps have also been initiated to commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti under Tourism Department in six cities of Goa namely Vasco, Mapusa, Ponda, Margao and Panaji on Feb.19,2024. The main function would be held at Bicholim The Minister inspected the guard of honour and march past by Police contingents and school students.
Sports persons who have excelled in various sports disciplines were felicitated at the hands of the Minister. These included Mr. Albert Joshua Ferrao who won gold medal in Sqay martial art at National Games 2023., Mr.Dayne Edgar Agnello Coelho who won gold medal in Yatching event, Ms Ary Vivek Pednekar who won gold medal in Sqay martial art, Ms Janiva Fernandes won bronze medal in winsher event, Ms Katya Coelho won gold medal in Yatching while Ms sanjana Prabhugaonkar won Silver Medal in Aquatics.
Deputy Collector Mapusa Ms Yshwini B.IAS Addl. Collector III Shri Pundalik Khorjuvekar, DSP Shri Jivba Dalvi, PI Mapusa Police Station Shri Sitakant Nayak prominent citizens attended the function.
