Goa Emerges as National Beacon of Innovation: Governor Raju Unfurls Tricolour on 77th Republic Day
PANAJI — January 26, 2026
In a vibrant display of national pride and administrative confidence, Goa Governor P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju today declared that the coastal state has transformed into a national leader in service delivery reforms and economic innovation. Addressing the state on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Governor highlighted a year of “resilient growth” and historic land reforms that have fundamentally reshaped the Goan social fabric.
The celebrations at the Goa University Ground in Taleigao were attended by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Shripad Naik, and a host of civil and military dignitaries. After unfurling the tricolour and reviewing an impressive ceremonial parade, Governor Raju delivered a roadmap for a “Viksit Goa 2047,” emphasizing that the state’s progress is no longer just about tourism, but about structural excellence.
The “Mhaje Ghar” Revolution: Legal Certainty for Thousands
One of the most significant highlights of the Governor’s address was the success of the Mhaje Ghar (My Home) Scheme, launched in August 2025. This historic initiative aimed to resolve decades-old land disputes, specifically targeting houses built before 1972 on various categories of land, including Comunidade and government land.
“The regularisation measures under the Mhaje Ghar scheme have provided not just legal certainty, but emotional relief to thousands of families who have lived in the shadows of uncertainty for generations,” Governor Raju stated.
The scheme, which grants Class I Sanad (ownership rights), has effectively neutralized 11 different types of legal complications that previously prevented citizens from claiming ownership of their ancestral dwellings. With a one-time provision window closing in April 2026, the government reported that nearly 11 lakh people are expected to benefit from this “compassionate and pragmatic” approach to governance.
Infrastructure and Economic Resilience
Despite global economic shifts, Goa’s economy has demonstrated remarkable tenacity. The Governor pointed to “unprecedented investments” in:
- Connectivity: Major upgrades to bridges and the state’s road network.
- Sustainability: The unveiling of the Clean Energy Roadmap 2050, focusing on solar rooftops and energy-positive villages.
- Public Services: Modernized sewerage systems and urban regeneration projects that are “preparing Goa for the needs of future generations.”
The Governor noted that Goa has achieved 100% literacy this year, a landmark achievement that he described as the “unlocking of human potential.”
Women and Youth: The New Economic Contributors
Governor Raju emphasized that the heart of Goa’s progress lies in inclusive development. He lauded the increasing role of women as primary economic contributors through:
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Empowering rural livelihoods.
- Artificial Intelligence Training: Contemporary skill acquisition in modernised Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
- Entrepreneurship: Targeted financial inclusion measures that have turned rural communities into hubs of innovation.
National Honours: The Face of “Operation Sindoor”
While Goa celebrated its administrative milestones, the national stage on Republic Day eve was dominated by military gallantry. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a prominent name in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, was conferred with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
Colonel Qureshi became a household name during Operation Sindoor in May 2025—a calibrated military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attacks. Known for her “stoic demeanour and precise communication,” she was the face of the Indian Army’s press briefings, detailing the precision strikes that eliminated terror infrastructure without escalating into full-scale war.
The President also approved the Ashok Chakra for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic overlap between India’s military prowess and its burgeoning space sector.
A Vision for the Future
Closing his address, Governor Raju urged the people of Goa to rededicate themselves to the vision of a resilient future. With the state leading in the “Ease of Doing Business” rankings and industrial facilitation, the “Bindiya on the forehead of Bharat Mata”—as the state was recently described—seems poised to inspire the rest of the nation.
“Our efforts today are laying the foundation for a resilient, skilled, and sovereign future,” the Governor concluded, as the sky over Panaji filled with the colours of the national flag.
