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WEEKEND UPDATES

WEEKEND UPDATES May 29, 2026 , by

STAY HOME ON STATEHOOD DAY!

THE vice-president of India, Radhakrishnan, has arrived in Goa and will be attending the official 40th Statehood Day function at the Kala Academy on May 30, 2026. Except that from the sound of it appears to be a private function with special invitees and there is no official intimation to the media yet.

 The only information is that the road from Dabolim airport to the Lok Bhavan at Dona Paula will be closed for four hours to enable the VP’s convoy to travel smoothly. The road to the Kala Academy will also be blocked for the public, ironically on Goa’s Statehood Day. This is in contrast to the first Statehood Day when the late Rajiv Gandhi announced statehood for Goa at a public meeting at the Campal grounds.

GOVERNOR OF GOA GREETS PEOPLE ON STATEHOOD DAY

In the meantime on May 29 Governor P Ashok Gajapathi Raju conveyed his heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to Goan across Goa and around the world on the joyous occasion of Goa Statehood Day. His message, to quote, “Today we celebrate not merely a constitutional milestone but the spirit, identity and aspiration of Goa and its people. Statehood Day reminds us of the democratic journey through which Goa secured its rightful place as the 25th State of the India Union in 1987. It stands as a proud tribute to the vision, determination and sacrifices of generations who preserved Goa’s unique cultural soul while embracing progress and modernity.”

He adds, “Goa is more than a beautiful destination. It is a living example of harmony, literacy, social development and peaceful coexistence. Our State has always demonstrated that development and heritage can go hand in hand; that tradition and innovation can complement each other.”

GIRIBALA FINALLY ARRESTED

The mother-in-law of Twisha Sharma, Giribala, has been finally arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Giribala Sharma is a former district judge who had been granted anticipatory bail earlier. The high court of Madhya Pradesh cancelled the anticipatory bail and facilitated her arrest. The CBI has also revealed that there were multiple injuries on the body of the victim which were not consistent with suicide.

LOWEST FERTILITY RATE

The state of Goa has recorded the lowest fertility rate in the country. Goa’s fertility rate of 1.3 persons per lakh is much lower than the replacement rate of 2. In fact, the fertility rate of southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and Telangana are much lower than the replacement rate. In contrast, the fertility rate is much higher than the replacement rate in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. What this implies is that the much better off population of the south will attract even more migrants from the north. This is also why the south is opposing delimitation on the basis of the 2011 census.

CENSUS 2026

The Census operation in Goa which began in April seems to be proceeding very slowly. A representative of the Mamlatdar’s office visited us but showed little interest in recording details. He looked around our rental home and decided that we had a washing machine and a gas connection. He asked me about our caste but failed to record my firm answer that I do not believe in caste or religion. Nevertheless, he recorded me as a Hindu and did not include the residents in the special category meant for senior citizens. Make sure you check the Census entry to ensure that the facts are correct. All your social security benefits are linked to Census data. The Census was delayed because of the Covid pandemic and it should have been done with in 2021 itself.

JUSTICE FERDINO’S ONLINE MEETING ON MAY 30, 2026

The Enough is Enough movement is going online. Here we quote the indefatigable Justice Ferdino Rebello (retd) in a public announcement: “Today I am standing outside the church, having come to pay my respects to the mortal remains of Fr Bolmax Pereira, the environmentalist who has fought for the state of Goa. Tomorrow is the 40th Statehood Day, Goa is a state which we have fought for when we started the Konkani movement…we had organized a meeting at Azad Maidan, unfortunately the powers that be have cancelled the permission granted to us. They had sufficient place for their exhibition at Campal, but we are not cowed down by small petty acts on part of the government. Tomorrow (May 30) at 5pm IST we invite all Goans across the globe, the link will be sent. We want your participation so that you become a part of the Goan diaspora that will help us in protecting this Goa. The online meeting is on May 30, 2026 is at 5pm IST. We require your support in whatever manner…give your attention and help us in this. Help Goa which will have a new face of helping people. Enough is enough, dev borem korum.”

BEST MUSIC AWARD FOR NEELAI NAIK & TEAM

Some good news. Neelai Naik & Team secured 1st place in the Best Music Video category for “Ganapti Tu Sarvashreshtha” at the 3rd Edition of Waves International Short Film Festival, Goa. The award-winning music video was directed by Ramprasad Adpaikar and produced by Adesh Karwarkar under the banner of Viju Productions. We know Goa is a state where music can go places any time past, present and future!

COMEDY & CUISINE FESTIVAL

There is a Caritas Goa-organised festival of comedy and cuisine on at the Garcia de Ota Garden near the Panjim Church in Panjim on May 29 (Friday), 30 (Saturday) and 31 (Sunday), 2026 from 6pm to 10pm. Come one, come all, goes out the invitation from CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate, the festival is supported by the CCP and evening delights include  an invitation to visitors to come up on stage and crack at least five of their best Goan jokes. The funniest jokes will win prizes. Featuring are top comedians like Saidut Kamat, Aryan and some more. Goa’s best one-girl bands will be performing. This festival is a family affair so bring your family for an evening of food, fun and fraternity as the merry month of May comes to a close. 

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