NT Reporter
Pernem
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called upon the younger generation to shoulder the responsibility of building a developed India, saying the benefits of the country’s progress would largely belong to Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Addressing a gathering on Independence Day at the historic Patradevi memorial, where 33 freedom fighters were martyred in 1955, Sawant said the nation had moved from the struggle for freedom to the struggle for development.
“While earlier generations had sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom, the present generation must dedicate itself to the progress of the country.The next 25 years are for you,” Sawant told the youth, urging them to become responsible citizens and contribute to nation-building through innovation, technology and research.
He said the younger generation would play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of Independence.
Sawant paid tribute to the satyagrahis who marched into Goa on August 15, 1955, demanding an end to Portuguese rule. He recalled that several of those who participated in the liberation movement had come from different parts of India, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
“It is our duty to honour those who fell for this land,” Sawant said.
Sawant also announced that the completed Patradevi memorial project will be inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 25.
He said the government envisioned transforming Patradevi into a prominent destination where visitors could learn about Goa’s liberation struggle and
pay their respects to the martyrs.
Plaques carrying the names of freedom fighters associated with the liberation movement are also being installed to ensure that their sacrifices are
remembered.
Also present were president of the Goa, Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters’ Association Rohidas Ragunath Naik Desai, Union Minister Shripad Naik, Pernem
MLA Pravin Arlekar, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar, North Goa Collector Ankit Yadav and others.
