Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building on October 6, 2026. The event was inaugurated by Goa Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju in Panaji.
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 strengthens when there is space for both agreement and disagreement, and India's democratic strength comes from its institutions' ability to accommodate diverse opinions. Referring to India's growing global stature, Birla mentioned that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is contributing to solving global challenges while drawing from 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, urging healthy competition among state legislatures in adopting innovations, technology, legislative procedures, and institutional reforms.
Birla emphasized greater 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 program 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.
Regarding Goa's development, Birla noted the state's distinctive identity encompassing natural beauty, coastline, rich cultural heritage, and harmonious way of life. He acknowledged that Goa has successfully balanced promoting industry, trade, tourism, and education while preserving its rich heritage and natural environment, establishing a distinct position in tourism, industry, and education while maintaining citizens' dignity and quality of life. He congratulated present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, MPs, and MLAs who contributed to Goa's socio-economic development over 25 years.
Birla urged the Goa Legislative Assembly to use the Silver Jubilee as an opportunity to envision the next 25 years by preparing a forward-looking roadmap aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, with maximum participation of citizens, youth, and women. He emphasized that every citizen, particularly those at the last mile, should feel the Legislative Assembly represents and responds to their aspirations. The next 25 years should focus on making democratic institutions stronger, more accessible, accountable, responsive, and results-oriented through greater public participation.
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. Other dignitaries who addressed the gathering included 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, and Deputy Speaker Shri Joshua Peter De Souza delivered the words of gratitude.