NEW DELHI: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 1,330 crores during the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047’ programme, including the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Goa and the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports.
During his address at the event, the PM emphasised the significance of Goa’s social diversity, referring to it as a prime example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’ (one India, superior India).
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Despite its small geographical size and population, Modi highlighted the richness of social diversity within the state, where various communities and faiths coexist harmoniously for generations.
The PM said, “In terms of area and population, Goa is small but when it comes to social diversity, Goa is huge. Here people of various communities and different faiths live together. They have lived together for generations. So, when these people of Goa elect BJP again and again, its message goes across the nation. BJP’s mantra is sabka saath, sabka vikas (together for everyone’s progress).”
He praised the state for achieving 100 per cent saturation in numerous central government schemes, emphasising that such achievements eliminate disparities and ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
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During the address, Modi also took a swipe at the Opposition, accusing some parties of perpetuating a politics of misinformation and fear-mongering. He commended the people of Goa for consistently rebuffing such tactics and participating actively in nation-building efforts.
“A few parties in the country have always tried to do the politics of creating fear and lies among the people. But Goa has given a befitting reply to such parties again and again,” he added.
Highlighting the state’s contributions to the nation, Modi pointed to landmarks like the historic Lohia Maidan as evidence of Goans’ dedication to national progress. “The historic Lohia Maidan here is evidence of the fact that when it comes to doing something for the nation, people of Goa leave no stone unturned,” he added.