Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building on October 6, 2026. The event was attended by Goa Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant, Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Minister for Legislative Affairs Shri Mauvin Godinho, and Leader of Opposition Shri Yuri Alemao.
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 India's democratic strength stems from its institutions' ability to accommodate diverse opinions and viewpoints. Birla highlighted India's growing global stature under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, contributing to global challenges while drawing from the civilizational ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
Birla 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, urging healthy competition among State Legislatures in adopting innovations, sharing best practices in technology, legislative procedures, and institutional reforms.
The Speaker 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 four-day programs highlighting the Goa Liberation Movement history and the state's legislative journey, which would help connect young people with legislative institutions.
Birla acknowledged Goa's distinctive identity, noting its successful balance of economic development with preservation of heritage and natural environment. He congratulated present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, MPs, and MLAs who contributed to Goa's socio-economic development over 25 years, particularly in establishing the state's position in tourism, industry, and education while maintaining quality of life.
The Speaker urged the Goa Legislative Assembly to prepare a 25-year 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 a 'Customised My Stamp and Special Cover with Special Cancellation' of the Goa Legislative Assembly and Secretariat Building and felicitated eminent personalities. Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar delivered the Welcome Address while Deputy Speaker Shri Joshua Peter De Souza delivered the Words of Gratitude.