Mapusa, 15th August 2025 – The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at Mapusa under the leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte. The event commenced with the hoisting of the tricolour by Khaunte, followed by the inspection of the parade and acceptance of the salute from the Goa Police, NCC cadets, and students of different schools from the Bardez taluka.
The Independence Day celebrations were followed by a vibrant cultural programme that showcased Goa’s rich heritage. The former Deputy Speaker Ulhas Asnodkar, the Collector, and the Additional Collector Mamlatdar were also present at the event.
As part of the celebrations, fishermen, agriculturists, kirtankars, bhajan artists, tiatrists, and sportspersons were felicitated for their contribution to preserving and promoting the cultural, social, and sporting fabric of Goa.
In his address, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte paid tribute to the nation’s freedom fighters and reiterated Goa’s role in building a self-reliant and culturally vibrant India. Speaking about Goa’s tourism potential, he said Goa today is not just a destination for leisure, but a beacon of regenerative tourism, where we are reviving our heritage, culture, and traditions while creating opportunities for our youth. Events like these remind us that the true meaning of freedom lies in empowering our communities, preserving our identity, and contributing to the nation’s growth. We are delivering on our promises to the people of Goa by empowering every Goan through the transformative potential of connectivity, innovation, and opportunity. To achieve the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, we are harnessing the power of digitalization and connectivity, ensuring no citizen is left behind. In alignment with our Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, we are empowering every woman and youth to lead through Yuva Shakti and Mahila Shakti, ensuring that development is inclusive, progressive, and transformative.
The programme concluded with the gathering inspired and committed to contributing towards the state’s and the nation’s progress.
