Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, May 30: Goa is celebrating its Statehood Day today, marking 39 years since it attained full statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Union on May 30, 1987.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to participate in the Statehood Day celebrations at the Kala Academy in Panaji.

The occasion commemorates Goa's journey from liberation to becoming one of India's leading states in terms of human development and quality of life.

The celebrations will showcase Goa's transformation over the past four decades. Following its liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961, Goa became a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu. A significant milestone came in 1967 when Goans voted in the historic Opinion Poll to preserve the state's distinct identity.

The recognition of Konkani as the official language in 1987 paved the way for statehood, culminating in Goa becoming India's 25th state on May 30 that year.

As part of the celebrations, a commemorative stamp honouring renowned cartoonist Mario Miranda will be released. The programme will also include the launch of a coffee table book, presentation of awards and the announcement of citizen welfare initiatives.

Later in the day, the Vice President will visit the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, where he will tour research and technology exhibits, interact with scientists and release a coffee table book highlighting the institute's work.