CM Pramod Sawant added a touch of panache in his budget speech. Quoting a Hindi verse on knowledge, science, sacrifice, and national glory, he signed off his presentation of what he described as an ambitious, forward-looking budget, before arriving at his signature phrase, “bhivpachi garaz na”.
“Gyaan ke vigyan ke bhi kshetra mein hum badh chalenge” (In the realm of knowledge and science too, we shall march forward), the verse declared, and affirmed, “neel nabh ke roop ke nav arth bhi hum kar sakenge” (we shall be able to interpret new meanings of the blue sky’s form). Sawant leaned on these lines to signal that Goa, under his watch, is dreaming big.
He then outlined his vision. “Nation first” was declared his guiding principle, with women, youth, farmers, and senior citizens placed at the centre of his govt’s priorities.
Industry also received a nod, with Sawant reaffirming his commitment to an ease of doing business climate. Science, technology, and AI also found mention.
But perhaps the warmest moment came when Sawant turned to address the beneficiaries of his govt’s flagship schemes — Dayanand Samajik Suraksha, Ladli Lakshmi, Griha Aadhar, Mhaji Bus, and Mhaje Ghar, among others. To them, he said “bhivpachi garaz na”, turning on its head the very phrase for which he has often been criticised.
