Goan Personalities

Governor and Chief Minister Extend New Year 2026 Greetings, Call for Unity, Harmony and Inclusive Development


Panaji, December 31, 2025: As the State ushers in New Year 2026, the Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant have conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa and Goans living across the world, calling for unity, harmony, and collective progress.

In his New Year message, Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju described the beginning of a new year as a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. He urged citizens to reflect on their shared journey, appreciate Goa’s rich cultural heritage, and renew their commitment to peace, harmony, and societal welfare. Expressing optimism for the year ahead, the Governor said he hoped 2026 would bring joy, peace, and prosperity to every home, and encouraged Goans to move forward together with dedication and unity.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, in his message, also extended warm New Year greetings and expressed hope that the coming year would usher in peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness for every Goan. He appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Government’s efforts in effectively implementing welfare schemes and development initiatives across the State.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to building a resilient and progressive Goa, the Chief Minister urged people to actively participate in the Swayampurna Goa mission, which aims to promote self-reliance, empower individuals and communities, strengthen local governance, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Acknowledging Goa’s long-standing legacy of peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, Dr Sawant called upon citizens to uphold the values of mutual respect, unity, and collective well-being. He noted that this spirit of togetherness remains one of Goa’s greatest strengths and must continue to guide the State in the year ahead.

Both leaders expressed confidence that with public cooperation, unity, and shared commitment, Goa would continue to progress on the path of inclusive and sustainable development in 2026.

Sports

1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium Inaugurated at Verna IDC by CM Dr. Pramod Sawant


Verna IDC, Goa | 1st October 2025 – A new chapter in Goa’s sporting journey unfolded with the grand inauguration of the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium at Verna Industrial Estate by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by a stellar lineup of dignitaries, including Suryakumar Yadav, captain of India’s T20 cricket team; Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Industries; Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); and Daji Salkar, MLA.

Built by Kamla Prasad Yadav, the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium is designed to cater to emerging cricketing talent in Goa, offering world-class facilities and a dedicated space for training, matches, and cricket development.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized the state’s commitment to nurturing young athletes and expanding quality infrastructure in all corners of Goa. The presence of Suryakumar Yadav added to the excitement, inspiring local youth to dream big and pursue excellence in sports.

The event was also a testament to the role of private individuals like Kamla Prasad Yadav in furthering Goa’s sporting vision. His initiative in developing the stadium has been widely appreciated by the sports fraternity and government alike.

With this inauguration, the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium is now officially open to the public and local sports associations — ready to host the next generation of cricketing stars from Goa.

Special Occasion

A Day of Daughters: Love, Pride, and the Power of a Smile — Leaders Across Goa Celebrate National Daughters Day


National Daughters Day is not just a celebration—it is a feeling etched deep into the hearts of parents, families, and communities. It’s a reminder of the unconditional love, boundless energy, and quiet strength that daughters bring into our lives every single day. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the joys of raising a daughter, to honor their spirit, and to amplify their voices in a world that hasn’t always treated them equally.

In its earliest form, the day was created to counter harmful cultural norms in societies where daughters were undervalued. It served—and still serves—as a powerful reminder that every girl deserves to grow up in a world that sees her as strong, capable, and irreplaceable. Over time, the meaning of the day has deepened. It’s become personal, emotional—a celebration of identity, of dreams, and of the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her parents.

Goa echoed this emotion as National Daughters Day was met with warmth and admiration from leaders across the state. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant shared a heartfelt message about empowering girls and supporting their ambitions. MLAs Rohan Khaunte, Michael Lobo, Yuri Alemao, Delilah Lobo, Jit Vinayak Arolkar, Chandrakant Shetye, and Speaker Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar also expressed their love and pride—reminding their communities of the beauty and power daughters bring into our world.

These tributes transcended political boundaries—they came from a place of genuine love. They celebrated daughters not as future leaders or citizens alone, but as individuals who matter deeply in the present moment. Girls who are strong, curious, creative, and brave. Girls whose dreams deserve to be nurtured and whose presence brings life to every home.

Across the world, Daughters Day is celebrated on various dates—September 25 in many places, the fourth Sunday of September in India, or even September 28 or October 1 in other regions. But the meaning remains timeless and universal. It’s a day rooted in the heart, not just the calendar.

Families mark the day in different ways. Some take their daughters out for special meals or create small keepsakes. Others simply spend time together—talking, laughing, reflecting. Social media fills with warm photos and tributes, filled with pride and emotion. In more challenging parts of the world, the day becomes a platform to advocate for education, safety, and equality for every girl.

At its core, National Daughters Day is a love letter. A promise. A moment to say: You are valued. You are powerful. You are loved.

In a daughter’s laughter lives our hope. In her dreams, our future. In her strength, our pride.

And that is worth celebrating—not just today, but always.