Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of the Goa Legislative Assembly Building on October 6, 2026, with Goa Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju presiding over the ceremony. 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 when diverse perspectives are incorporated into the legislative process, highlighting India's democratic strength stemming from its institutions' ability to accommodate diverse opinions.
Birla referenced India's growing global stature under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, noting the country's contribution to solving global challenges through the civilizational ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. He stressed that democratic strength must translate into policies, laws, and effective governance that meet people's expectations and aspirations. For smaller states like Goa, he emphasized the special responsibility of elected representatives to maintain close citizen interaction and address constituents' aspirations, difficulties, and challenges promptly.
The Lok Sabha Speaker advocated for technology adoption to enhance public understanding of legislative processes by providing access to information on rules, laws, policies, debates, and committee work. He called for greater transparency and accessibility to deepen the connection between legislatures and citizens, urging healthy competition among state legislatures in adopting innovations, sharing best practices in technology, legislative procedures, and institutional reforms.
Birla stressed the importance of youth participation in democratic institutions, noting that India's youth lead in technology, education, research, and innovation, and their involvement would improve policy and law formulation. He welcomed Goa Legislative Assembly's four-day program highlighting the Goa Liberation Movement and the state's legislative journey, which he said would connect youth with democratic institutions.
Recognizing Goa's distinctive identity encompassing natural beauty, coastline, cultural heritage, and harmonious lifestyle, Birla congratulated present and former Chief Ministers, Speakers, Ministers, MPs, and Assembly members for contributing to the state's socio-economic development over 25 years. He acknowledged elected representatives' debates, views, and legislative interventions that strengthened the Assembly's dignity and prestige. Birla noted Goa's unique development journey balancing industry, trade, tourism, and education with heritage and environmental preservation, establishing a distinct position in tourism, industry, and education while maintaining quality of life.
The Speaker urged that the silver jubilee serve not only to celebrate past achievements but also to envision the next 25 years. He called on the Goa Legislative Assembly to prepare a forward-looking roadmap aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision, with maximum participation from citizens, youth, and women. He emphasized that every citizen, particularly those at the last mile, should feel represented by the Legislative Assembly, focusing on making democratic institutions stronger, more accessible, accountable, responsive, and results-oriented through greater public participation.
Birla expressed confidence that the Assembly would continue contributing to Goa's economic and social development while preserving its culture, heritage, and natural environment. He released a 'Customised My Stamp and Special Cover with Special Cancellation' of the Goa Legislative Assembly and Secretariat Building and felicitated eminent personalities during the event. Other dignitaries present included Chief Minister Shri Pramod Sawant, Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Minister for Legislative Affairs Shri Mauvin Godinho, and Leader of Opposition Shri Yuri Alemao, with Dr. Gaonkar delivering the welcome address and Deputy Speaker Shri Joshua Peter De Souza delivering the vote of thanks.