Says Goa’s rich heritage and spirit of unity have strengthened India’s journey; highlights centuries-old bond between Goa and Jammu & Kashmir
BuzzBytes News Desk
Srinagar, May 30: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday paid rich tributes to the martyrs and freedom fighters of Goa while addressing a special Statehood Day celebration hosted at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar. The event was attended by senior government officials, invited guests from Goa residing in Jammu and Kashmir, artists and members of the civil society.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor recalled the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters during Goa’s liberation struggle and said their courage, determination and patriotism continue to inspire generations across the country.
Referring to the period between 1946 and 1961, Sinha said many brave sons and daughters of India laid down their lives in the struggle to free Goa from colonial rule. He noted that hundreds of freedom fighters were imprisoned and subjected to severe hardships, but their unwavering commitment kept the liberation movement alive until its success.
“Today I pay homage to Bala Raya Mapari of the Azad Gomantak Dal, the first martyr of Goa’s freedom struggle. Great figures such as Luís de Menezes Bragança, Mohan Ranade, Tristao Braganza da Cunha, Purushottam Kakodkar, Prabhakar Vaidya, Nana Kajrekar and Sudhir Phadke kept the spirit of satyagraha alive across Goa, Daman, Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Today we salute their dreams and resolve,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting Goa’s contribution to nation-building, Sinha said the state’s enduring values of public service, cultural preservation and commitment to national progress have played a significant role in shaping modern India.
He observed that Goa’s vibrant cultural traditions, ancient art forms and rich heritage continue to enrich the spirit of the national vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, which seeks to strengthen unity through cultural understanding and mutual respect.
“I strongly believe that Goa’s ancient arts and vibrant heritage have enriched the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. As the Konkani proverb wisely reminds us, ‘Ekvatanttakad, rashtrant pragati’ — unity is the bedrock of a nation’s progress,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about the historical and cultural links between Goa and Jammu and Kashmir, describing the relationship as a centuries-old bond that continues to connect the two regions despite their geographical distance.
He said the celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the deep cultural ties that unite Goa’s scenic coastline with the majestic mountains of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Seen through that ancient bond, a priceless and enduring connection unites Goa’s golden shores with the majestic mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Today’s celebration is also a moment to weave together the timeless philosophies and values nurtured along the banks of the Tawi and Terekhol rivers with the principles that continue to guide our lives today,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that such celebrations not only honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the achievements of states but also strengthen national integration by promoting greater understanding of India’s diverse cultural traditions.
The programme featured cultural performances and interactions highlighting Goa’s history, traditions, and contribution to India’s social and cultural fabric. Participants described the event as a meaningful celebration of unity, heritage and the enduring spirit of the Indian nation.
The Statehood Day observance concluded with tributes to the heroes of Goa’s liberation movement and a reaffirmation of the shared values of unity, patriotism and cultural harmony that bind the country together.
