Panaji: April 14, 2026
The 135th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was commemorated at Dr. Ambedkar Park at Panaji. The programme was organised by the Government of Goa in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare and the Goa State Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant extended greetings on Ambedkar Jayanti and emphasised that education remains the most powerful means of empowerment, as envisioned by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of backward classes through various schemes. He also encouraged meritorious students to appear for national-level competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE, assuring scholarship support. The Chief Minister further highlighted initiatives such as the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam and campaigns like Nasha Mukt Bharat and Nasha Mukt Goa.
CM also virtually laid the foundation stone for the Ambedkar Bhavan at Porvorim and stated that the project will be completed within one year and will be inaugurated at the next Ambedkar Jayanti. Financial assistance was provided to 1,999 beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, reflecting the government’s focus on inclusive development.
Meritorious students were also felicitated during the programme for their academic achievements, recognizing their efforts and encouraging them to pursue higher goals in education.
The programme was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Shri Subhash Phal Desai; MLA, Pernem Shri Pravin Arlekar; Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS; Director, Social Welfare Shri Dipak Bandekar; SC/ST Commissioner Shri Ravindra Gaonkar, along with Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and other dignitaries.
