Goan Reporter:COLLECTIVE EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR MEANINGFUL NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT : SHIRODKAR

Panaji: January 26, 2026:Minister for Water Resources, Shri Subhash Shirodkar paid floral tribute at the Martyrs Memorial and paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence and sovereignty. He hoisted the National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour presented by Police contingents during the 77th Republic Day celebrations held at Kranti Maidan, Ponda. Addressing the gathering, Shri Shirodkar emphasized the importance of instilling patriotism among children and future generations. He highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage and the nation’s continuous progress in education, agriculture, industry, and technology. He reiterated the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and spoke about various development initiatives undertaken in Goa under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to promote self-reliance and inclusive growth. Programmes such as Digital India and Make in India were cited as significant steps towards empowering youth and strengthening the country’s economy. Recalling India’s ancient civilizations like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, Shri Shirodkar underlined the nation’s deep-rooted historical and cultural legacy. He also remembered the contributions of great leaders such as Emperor Ashoka and Samudragupt who ruled with justice and welfare in mind. Shri Shirodkar stressed that true progress can be achieved only through quality education, modern agricultural facilities for farmers, and sustainable development. He also highlighted Goa’s cultural heritage, temples, natural resources, and tourism sector as key drivers of the state’s growth. Calling for collective efforts from elected representatives, government officials, and citizens, he urged the youth to work with dedication to make Goa a model state and contribute meaningfully to national development. Emphasizing higher education and knowledge, he recalled how ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila attracted scholars from across the world and said modern universities must evolve into centers of excellence. Concluding his address, Shri Shirodkar noted India’s rapid progress in science, technology, space research, and the economy, and called upon citizens to uphold unity, discipline, and responsibility in building a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. The function was attended by the Ponda Municipality Chairperson Shri Virendra Dhavlikar, Freedom fighters, former MP Shri Narendra Savarkar, former MLA Amshekar, Director Shri Ramesh Naik, Registrar Shri Ashutosh Apte, councillors, Zilla panchayat members, Deputy Collector Shri Kaushik, Mamlatdar, DySP Shri S. Vaingankar, PI Shri V. Kavlekar, officers and citizens.