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India Remembers Dr. Manmohan Singh on His First Death Anniversary


Panaji/Delhi, December 26, 2025: India observed the first death anniversary of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country’s 13th Prime Minister and a key architect of India’s economic liberalization. Dr. Singh passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of humility, integrity, and transformative policymaking.

Leaders from the Indian National Congress, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge, paid floral tributes to Dr. Singh, remembering his landmark initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information Act (RTI), and programs that helped lift over 20 crore people out of poverty.

Tributes poured in from political allies as well. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged his contributions to governance and national development. Even his critics, including activist Prashant Bhushan, expressed regret, praising Dr. Singh’s decency, humility, and principled approach to public service.

Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, following his pivotal role as Finance Minister in 1991, is remembered as a period of steady economic growth, social welfare reforms, and measured, thoughtful leadership. Across India, citizens and political figures alike commemorated his life, contributions, and enduring influence on India’s political and economic landscape.

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Commemoration of the 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza at Pilar


The 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza will be solemnly celebrated at Pilar, Goa, on 20th November 2025, under the theme “Venerable Agnelo inspires us to be pilgrims of Hope.” The solemn Mass at 9:30 a.m. will be presided over by Rt. Rev. Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather at the Pilar hillock to offer prayers and thanksgiving for the saintly priest whose life continues to inspire the faithful.

The novenas in preparation for the feast will be held from 11th to 19th November, with each day dedicated to a special intention — from peace in the world and care for migrants, to prayers for youth, families, the environment, and the sick. The novena Mass timings will be held throughout the day, allowing pilgrims to participate in prayer and reflection. On 14th November, a special Night Vigil will take place from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., offering a moment of deep spiritual communion and adoration. Masses will be celebrated in different languages to allow wider participation, including Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, along with a special Mass for the sick and one for the Spiritual Brothers and Sisters.

Each Mass will be followed by a novena prayer and prayers over the sick, with priests available for confessions and counselling. To reach devotees beyond Goa, all celebrations will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel Society of Pilar India and telecasted across major Goan television networks including CCR TV, Prime TV, Prudent TV, Goa365, RDX TV, Goa9 TV, and others.

As in past years, traffic management arrangements will be in place for the safety and convenience of pilgrims. Vehicles will enter Pilar Hillock via the Neura road and exit through the regular route, with parking arranged behind the Pilar Seminary. Shuttle services will be available for pilgrims commuting by bus.

Venerable Agnelo de Souza, born on 21 January 1869 in Anjuna, Goa, was a devoted priest of the Society of Pilar known for his deep humility, spiritual fervor, and missionary zeal. He spent his life preaching missions and retreats across Goa, touching countless lives with his holiness and compassion. He passed away at dawn on 20 November 1927, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service. His cause for canonization is currently under process in Rome, and this annual commemoration continues to draw thousands of faithful praying for his beatification and canonization.

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98th Death Anniversary of Ven. Agnelo: Pilgrim of Hope


The 98th death anniversary of Ven. Agnelo will be solemnly commemorated at Pilar, Goa, from 11th to 20th November 2025. Ven. Agnelo, a beacon of faith and hope, continues to inspire pilgrims from across India and abroad.

This year’s theme, “Ven. Agnelo inspires us to be pilgrims of Hope,” reflects the spirit of devotion and service that marked his life and ministry.

Daily Masses will be celebrated in the morning at 5:30, 6:45, 8:00, 9:15, and 10:30, and in the evening at 4:00, 5:15, and 6:15. The solemn Mass on 20th November at 9:30 AM will be presided over by His Excellency Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay.

The novena, held from 11th to 19th November, will be dedicated each day to special intentions such as peace in the world, migrants and refugees, youth, children, priests and religious, families, the environment, the sick, and missionaries.

Highlights of the commemoration include a Night Vigil on 14th November from 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM, multilingual Masses on 16th November in Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, and a Mass for the sick on 18th November at 10:30 AM. Spiritual gatherings, confessions, counseling, and a campaign of prayers for Ven. Agnelo’s canonization will also be part of the observances.

Every Mass will be followed by novena prayers and blessings over the sick. The event draws thousands of devotees each year, a testimony to Ven. Agnelo’s enduring influence as a man of deep faith, humility, and service. His legacy continues to guide all who visit Pilar to live as true pilgrims of hope.

Watch the Mass on Allycaral at 9:15 AM.

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Commemorating the 74th Death Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel


Today, December 15, 2024, marks the 74th death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He played a pivotal role in integrating India’s princely states into the Indian Union, earning him the title “Unifier of India” ¹.

Born on October 31, 1875, Patel was a key figure in India’s struggle for independence. He organized peasants in Gujarat to participate in non-violent civil disobedience against the British Raj. Patel’s leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping India’s future ².

The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018, to commemorate Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary. The statue stands 182 meters tall and is located on the Narmada River in Gujarat ².

World Largest Statue “Statue Of Unity” (An architectural Masterpiece)

To honor Patel’s legacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to him every year on his death anniversary. Patel’s contributions to India’s unity and independence continue to inspire generations ¹.

Key Highlights of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Life and Legacy:

  • Early Life and Education: Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat ³
  • Role in India’s Independence Movement: Organized peasants in Gujarat to participate in non-violent civil disobedience against the British Raj ²
  • Integration of Princely States: Played a pivotal role in integrating India’s princely states into the Indian Union ¹
  • Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister: Served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister from 1947 to 1950 ³
  • Legacy: Remembered as the “Unifier of India” and honored with the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue ²