Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building on October 6, 2026, in an event attended by Goa Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and other dignitaries.
In his address, Birla emphasized that strong democracies are built on dialogue, diverse views, and meaningful public participation, noting that legislatures serve as forums for discussion, debate, and exchange of diverse views. He stated that democracy becomes stronger when there is space for both agreement and disagreement, and that India's democratic strength stems from its institutions' ability to accommodate diverse opinions. Birla highlighted India's growing global stature under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, noting the country's contribution to solving global challenges based on the civilizational ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
The Speaker stressed that technology can significantly enhance public understanding of legislative processes by enabling citizens to access information about rules, laws, policies, debates, and committee work. He called for greater transparency and accessibility to deepen the connection between legislatures and people, and urged healthy competition among State Legislatures in adopting innovations, suggesting they learn from one another and share best practices in technology, legislative procedures, and institutional reforms.
Birla emphasized the importance of youth participation in democratic institutions, noting that India's youth are at the forefront of technology, education, research, and innovation. He welcomed Goa Legislative Assembly's initiative to organize four-day programs highlighting the history of the Goa Liberation Movement and the state's legislative journey, which he said would help connect young people with legislative institutions.
The Speaker acknowledged Goa's distinctive identity, praising its natural beauty, coastline, rich cultural heritage, and harmonious way of life. He congratulated present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Goa Legislative Assembly for contributing to the state's socio-economic development over 25 years. Birla noted that Goa has successfully balanced economic development with heritage preservation, simultaneously promoting industry, trade, tourism, and education while maintaining its natural environment, establishing a distinct position in tourism, industry, and education while preserving quality of life.
Birla urged the Goa Legislative Assembly to use the Silver Jubilee as an opportunity to envision the next 25 years rather than merely celebrating past achievements. He called for preparing a forward-looking roadmap aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, with maximum participation of citizens, youth, and women. He emphasized that the next 25 years should focus on making democratic institutions stronger, more accessible, accountable, responsive, and results-oriented, with greater public participation making institutions more accountable to citizens.
On the occasion, Birla released 'Customised My Stamp and Special Cover with Special Cancellation' of the Goa Legislative Assembly and Secretariat Building and felicitated eminent personalities. The event was also addressed by Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant, Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Minister for Legislative Affairs Shri Mauvin Godinho, and Leader of Opposition Shri Yuri Alemao. Speaker Gaonkar delivered the Welcome Address while Deputy Speaker Shri Joshua Peter De Souza delivered the Words of Gratitude.