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 of Goa Legislative Assembly Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, 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 strengthens when there is space for both agreement and disagreement, and highlighted India's democratic strength stemming from its institutions' ability to accommodate diverse opinions.
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, and urged 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 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.
Birla praised Goa's distinctive identity, noting its success in balancing economic development with preservation of heritage and natural environment. He acknowledged the contributions of present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, MPs, and MLAs 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.
During the event, Birla released '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.