Panaji, October 2, 2026
The State-level celebration of the 157th Gandhi Jayanti was held at Gandhi Chowk, Old Goa. The programme also marked the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The occasion highlighted the enduring relevance of their ideals and contributions to the nation.
Honouring dedicated service and public commitment, personnel of the Old Goa Fire Station were felicitated by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for their outstanding service. The awardees included Sub-Officers Rohidas D. Parab and Pandurang S. Kankanakar, and Leading Fire Fighters Amit V. Rivanakar, Vinayak V. Naik and Ugam V. Shet Govekar.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence and Swadeshi, along with his vision for cleanliness, rural development, farmer welfare and self-reliance, continue to guide the nation.” He said that efforts towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat are being carried forward in line with these values. CM Dr. Sawant also highlighted the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign and various cleanliness initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Dr. Sawant further said that the Government of Goa, with the support of the Central Government, is working towards building a drug-free and TB-free India, and stressed that collective participation from all sections of society is essential for the success of these efforts. He also referred to the country’s efforts against terrorism and Naxalism. Speaking about the development journey, he said that Yuva Shakti, Nari Shakti, Kisan Shakti and Garib Kalyan are the four pillars guiding the nation’s progress towards a self-reliant India. He also paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri and recalled the significance of his message of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
The programme was attended by Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy; Shri Rajesh Faldessai, MLA, Cumbarjua; Shri Siddhesh S. Naik, District Panchayat Member; Smt. Medha M. Parvatkar, Sarpanch, Old Goa; Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa; officers and officials from the administration, and other dignitaries.
