Panaji (Goa): In a historic announcement on Goa’s 39th Statehood Day, the state was officially declared 100% literate, becoming a national model for inclusive and transformative education. The declaration marks a significant milestone in Goa’s journey toward empowering its citizens through knowledge.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in his address, attributed the achievement to sustained, collective efforts and the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“Our sustained collective efforts to strengthen the education sector with new advancements and NEP 2020 have yielded this result,” said Sawant.
Launched under the motto “Jan-Jan Sakshar”, the literacy initiative targeted individuals aged 15 years and above, mobilising a diverse force of retired teachers, NSS units, teacher trainees, and grassroots educators.
The campaign identified 2,981 non-literate individuals across all 12 talukas. These learners received instruction through schools and local outreach, supported by Resource Adult Trainee Coordinators (RATCs). To make learning more accessible, the government introduced ULLAS Primers in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, and English, focusing on reading, numeracy, financial literacy, and life skills.
“Goa’s 100% literacy milestone is not just a number—it represents empowerment, opportunity, and a new chapter in social transformation,” a state education official noted.
Defence Minister Declares India’s Resolve Against Terror from INS Vikrant
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, anchored off Goa’s coast, and delivered a powerful statement on national security in the context of Operation Sindoor.
“Operation Sindoor is not just a military action, but India’s frontal assault against terrorism. If Pakistan resorts to anything evil or unethical, it will, this time, face the firepower and ire of the Indian Navy,” Singh asserted.
He praised the Carrier Battle Group’s strategic role in deterring the Pakistani Navy, underlining the Indian Navy’s silent yet formidable service.
“The Indian Navy stood like a wall. If the enemy had ventured out, it would have paid the price,” Singh added, affirming the Navy’s readiness and commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty.
A Day of Triumph and Resolve
Goa’s dual celebration of educational triumph and maritime military strength on Statehood Day reflects a blend of progressive governance and national security resolve. As Goa steps into a future defined by literacy and empowerment, India simultaneously sends a decisive message to adversaries: peace is our preference, but strength is our stance.