Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh, has recognized North Goa and South Goa districts as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certified districts today at the Swachh Bharat Diwas .
CM PAYS HOMAGE TO MAHATMA GANDHI
The Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant led the people of the State to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of the 153rd Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti by offering floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Chowk, Old Goa today.
Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, Shri Shripad Y. Naik; MLA of Cumbharjua, Shri Rajesh Faldessai; MLA of Santa Cruz, Shri Rodalfo Fernandes; Sarpanch of Village Panchayat, Se Old Goa, Smt. Sandra Gonsalves and others also paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that all efforts are underway to undertake development through the central and State governments. Taking the inspirational thoughts of cleanliness from Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modji launched the mission of Swatch Bharat and the entire nation participated in this mission. The Swayampurna Goa mission, which provides for the people-oriented governance, was launched by the government in October 2020. The government is making every effort to turn Goa into Swayampurna, and I am confident the day is not far to achieve, CM added.
The Chief Minister said, Mahatma Gandhi sacrificed everything to win India’s independence. His numerous agitations against British rule in India, including the non-cooperation movement, dandi yatra, Salt March, Quit India Campaign, civil disobedience campaign, etc., not only helped to make India Independent but also propelled him to a position of leadership throughout the world. This is a result of his self-assurance and tenacity, he remarked.
The Chief Minister further said that, in addition to his contribution to freedom struggle Mahatma Gandhi also raised concerns about societal issues including social injustice and malpractice. He always emphasised the need for the social, political, and fundamental advancement of society from the perspective of self-reliance and brotherhood. He advocated non-violence to usher social and political changes that were national in nature, the CM added.
On the occasion, religious leaders, Shri Uday Paranjape, Fr Patricio Fernandes and Hazarat Maulana Mobinnuddin Rafik recited verses from the Bhagwad Gita, Bible and Quran for which the Chief Minister said that, all the knowledge from Bhagwad Gita, Bible and Quran demonstrates that humanity is the best religion. Mahatma Gandhi led the world with his good deeds from eternity the Chief Minister observed.
The Chief Minister motivated student saying that, the world needs more people like you who can change the world in a better way. We can’t expect others to bring the change but need to shoulder it as our responsibilities. He apprised students about the significance of adopting Gandhian principles in our daily life to spread his message of endurance, peace and harmony.
Kala Academy choir group sang bhajans on the occasion. Sarpanch of Se Old Goa, Smt. Sandra Gonsalves welcomed while Shri Pradip Naik compered the function.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, Shri Shripad Y. Naik, MLA of Cumbharjua, Shri Rajesh Faldessai, Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Se Old Goa, Smt. Sandra Gonsalves and others later paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister of India, late Lal Bahadur Shastri, at the panchayat premises of Se Old Goa Village Panchayat on his 118th birth anniversary.
GOVERNOR EXTENDS DURGA PUJA GREETINGS
Governor of Goa, Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai has conveyed his heartiest greetings and warm wishes to the people of Goa on the festive occasion of Durga Puja,
In a message to the people, he said Durga Puja is the worship of the supreme source of all powers –Maa Durga. The nine days celebrations are dedicated to the workship of Maa Durga in various “Avataras”.
The celebrations are marked by joy, victory and grandeur. It marks the bringing together of family members, relatives and neighbours and helps in strengthening the bonds of amity, unity, social solidarity and cultural integration.
This festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and conveys the message that all of us should strive to remove the evils afflicting society and pave the way for peace and happiness.
He concluded saying that, on this joyous occasion, let us pledge to enrich our lives with spiritually and enlightenment. May the celebrations of Durga Puja this year bring renewed peace, prosperity and happiness to one and all.
Give priority to serve the nation: Governor
The Governor, Shri P. S Sreedharan Pillai stressed on the importance of serving the nation while speaking as the Chief Guest at the 8th Convocation of National Institute of Technology Goa (NIT Goa), at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula today.
He told the gathering of students that the Government has invested a lot in bringing them up to this level and reminded them that there are plenty of opportunities to rise in a career in India. Give first priority to serving the nation he urged the students. The Governor in his convocation address said he sees a bright future for India, a country which recently overtook United Kingdom to emerge as the fifth largest economy in the world.
The Governor said that India has emerged out of the pandemic as strong and resilient nation where the call of Prime Minister for Aatmanirbhar Bharat during this time was answered by scientists, doctors, healthcare and frontline workers and with full support and cooperation of people of India.
The Governor further asked the students not to become slaves of technology but to be the masters of technology. He told them to never forget the human elements when harnessing technology.
The Governor said that a sterling character is need of hour and appealed to the students to maintain professional ethics and moral values that should never be compromised.
He lauded NIT Goa for several of their initiatives such as their collaboration with foreign universities under the Global Initiative of Academic Networks, Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, where NIT Goa has trained school teachers and principals, and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, where NIT Goa has adopted five villages in Goa for sustainable development.
The Governor appreciated that NIT Goa has been working for effective adaption and implementation of National Education Policy 2020 keeping aims of our State in mind. The Governor said that salient feature of NEP is encouragement of mother tongue as medium of instruction and hoped NIT Goa explores possibility of using local language as medium of instruction.
Director of IIT, Mumbai, Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri in his address asked students to give back to the country and society. He said that one can give back only when one has something to give. To have something to give, you will need to create eco system on your own efforts, he said adding that India needs that initiative from it’s students.
Present were Director of NIT, Goa, Prof. (Dr) Gopal Mugeraya, faculty members, parents among others.
Registrar of NIT Goa, Dr Shashidhar Kudari proposed the vote of thanks.
GOVERNOR EXTENDS GANDHI JAYANTI GREETINGS
Governor of Goa Shri. P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, in his message has said that on this very important occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and “International Day of Non Violence”, we remember with profound reverence and deep gratitude Mahatma Gandhi, Father of Nation on his birth anniversary.
The Governor adds, Gandhiji was on e of the greatest freedom fighter the world has ever known. The nation is eternally indebted to Gandhiji who is responsible for the freedom of India through employment of unique tools of truth, love, non –violence in the freedom struggle against British Imperialism. He is a global icon who has inspired countless leaders across the length and breadth of the world. His universal ideas continue to inspire us even today. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan currently in progress is inspired by Gandhian values of cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation. As a freedom fighter, social reformer and spiritual guide Gandhiji remains a great source of inspiration for a rejuvenated India.
On this occasion, I would like to encourage all individuals and organizations to join hands to offer special prayers and propagate Gandhiji’s eternal values, principles and philosophy. The rich tributes that we pay today to Mahatma Gandhi should inspire many many generations in the future and deepen our commitment to realize the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi, Governor concludes.
GOA TRAFFIC POLICE STEPS UP ENFORCEMENT DRIVE
Goa Traffic Police had
Pertinently, enforcement in
Through special drive, for
Under violation rule Riding
Total 3,871 cases are booked
Goa Traffic Police appeals to
CM LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR HOSTEL FACILITY FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant today laid the virtual foundation stone for Hostel Facility for Students with Special Needs at Khorlim, Mapusa of Aastha’s Anand Niketan (School for Differently Abled Children).
Speaking on the occasion, he assured that all expenses or grants required for maintaining the hostel after its completion will be borne by the Government. 100% grants will be provided by the Government to run this hostel, he added.
He reiterated Government’s commitment to constantly work and provide all the required facilities to Special Children schools in Goa. He also announced that he will personally provide donations to Aastha’s Anand Niketan Soustha and urged all the donors to come forward to provide donations to complete the project at the earliest. We should come forward to endow with Donations to such institutions to help such institutions to march forward with new ideas and goals, he added.
Speaking further, Dr. Pramod Sawant appreciated all the organizations which provide comprehensive services to the differently abled Children’s all over the State and said teachers and all the management committees efforts and the relentless work in providing education for children with a special educational needs or disability is praiseworthy.
CM also felicitated the patrons on the occasion.
Dy. Speaker, Shri Joshua D’souza, Bicholim MLA, Dr. Chandrakanth Shetye, Commissioner of Goa State Disability Commission, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, MMC, Chairperson, Smt. Shubhangi Vaigankar & other dignitaries were present
DRY DAY ON OCT 2
All the liquor licences of the State of Goa and the public are informed that all the premises for sale of liquor through packed bottles and for consumption shall remain closed on account of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti i.e. on October 2, 20022, as informed by the Department of Information and Publicity.
Pic: Wikipedia
ENTRY PROHIBITED
District Magistrate, North Goa has prohibited entry and plying of Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Multi Axle Vehicles) from the routes Dattawadi, Sankhali junction to the end of Goa State border on the Goa-Belagavi State Highway No. 1 on the Chorla Ghat, from (PHC) Sankhali junction to end of the Goa State border On State Highway No. 1 on Chorla Ghat and from Honda junction to end of the Goa State border on State Highway No.1 on Chorla Ghat, for the period up to March 19, 2023 except between 10.00 p.m. to 5.00 a.m. as informed by the Department of Information and Publicity.
GOA IS A GIFT FROM GOD: PILLAI
The Governor, Shri P S Sreedharan Pillai while interacting with elected representatives of Village Panchayats of Calangute and Siolim constituencies in Bardez taluka today as part of his “Goa Sampurna Yatra” said that Goa is blessed with natural beauty and is a gift from God.
He was speaking at an interaction at the Parra Panchayat.
The Governor remembered the former Defense Minister of India and Goa’s former Chief Minister, Late Manohar Parrikar who hailed from Parra. He recalled Parrikar’s contribution not only to the State but at the national leadership as well and said he was an ideal public worker.
The Governor assured the elected representatives that he would look into the issues they were raised and said it’s the bounden duty of authorities to solve people’s problems. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said freedom in its true sense goes beyond political definitions and means social and economic freedom too.
Earlier, MLA of Calangute constituency, Shri Michael Lobo said that the Governor was like a mediator between the State and the centre and as such Goa was fortunate to have such a Governor who could place Goa’s needs before the concerned to get them addressed.
The Governor gave financial assistance to 20 dialysis and cancer patients from the Governor’s discretionary fund.
MLA of Siolim constituency, Smt. Delilah Lobo said that it was a touching gesture of the Governor to provide financial assistance to those in need of such assistance and thanked him.
Present on the occasion were Secretary to Governor, Shri Mihir Vardhan, retd IAS, Zilla Panchayat members, among others.
Sarpanch of Anjuna Caisua Panchayat, Shri Das Chimulkar, Sarpanch of Siolim- Marna Panchayat, Ms Sharmila Vernekar, Sarpanch of Siolim -Sodiem Panchayat, Ms Deepa Pednekar, Sarpanch of Oxel Panchayat, Shri Pravin Kochrekar, Sarpanch of Assagao Panchayat, Shri Hanuman Naik, Sarpanch of Verla- Cancap Panchayat, Ms Deepali Bicholkar, Sarpanch of Calangute Panchayat, Shri Joseph Sequeira, Sarpanch of Candolim Panchayat, Shri Fermino Fernandes, Sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat, Shri Roshan Redkar and Sarpanch of Parra Panchayat, Shri Chandanand Harmalkar presented memorandums to the Governor regarding issues faced in their villages.
Present on the occasion were Additional Collector I, Shri Sanjeev Gauns Dessai, Deputy Collector, Ms Sneha Gitte (IAS) Deputy Collector, Shri Gurudas Desai, administrator of Communidade, Shri Shiv Prasad, BDO-II, Shri Prathamesh Shankardas, among others.
Noted people from Parra were felicitated on the occasion. Freedom fighter, Shri Ravindra Parrikar, first Panchayat Secretary after Liberation, Shri Babuli Anant, Panchayat Secretary who served in various panchayats for several decades, Shri Cyril Lobo, State badminton champion, Shri Ashmit Parsekar, Khelo India coach, Shri Irfan Khan were felicitated on the occasion.
Shri Desmond Oliveira compered the program.
After the visit the Governor later interacted with Tourism Industry Stakeholders in Sinquerim. Present were Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte, MLA Shri Michael Lobo, Chairman, GTDC, Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, Secretary, Tourism, Shri Ravi Dhawan, IAS; President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, Shri Nilesh Shah, Director of Tourism, Shri Nikhil Desai, IAS among others
The Governor said Goa is an apt place for tourism. He said people in Goa are good at heart and are loving people. He said there are no clashes in Goa and having covered 80 percent of Goa on his yatra, he can say that Goa is blessed with natural beauty. He further asked stakeholders to explore opportunities for spiritual tourism in Goa.
Earlier, a presentation on ‘Current scenario of Tourism in Goa and prospects 2022’ was presented. Tourism representatives raised issues like flight cancellations due to e-visa issues, need to protect Goa’s bio diversity, involving locals while considering hinterland tourism projects, completing ongoing infrastructural and tourist projects, safety audits for water sports etc.
Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte informed the Governor of the initiatives they are taking such as
Ease of Doing Business for tourist operators, working on an integrated beach management policy, etc.
Shri Khaunte said the focus is on quality tourism.
He informed of the constitution of the Goa Tourism Board having 50 per cent Government representatives and 50 per cent tourism industry experts.
The Governor as part of his Sampurna Yatra today visited the Shree Shantadurga Temple in Candolim, St Lawrence Church in Aguada, the renovated Aguada jail museum and the St Anthony Church in Siolim.
