Our nation will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on 26th January 2026. The Republic of India, marked by vast diversity and a rich cultural tapestry, stands as a beacon of democracy in the modern world. Within this unfolding national journey, Goa holds a unique and distinctive place.
Once a Portuguese colony, Goa was integrated into India in 1961 through political and military action. The years that followed witnessed defining political moments, including the Opinion Poll of 1967 on Goa’s identity, the language agitation, and the eventual grant of statehood in 1987. Goa is home to three major religious communities-Hindus, Christians, and Muslims yet its shared culture and language bind its people together as Goemkars, shaping a common Goan identity.
A state or community is defined by its people, culture, land and ecology, and systems of governance, including law and education. When Goa came under the Indian Constitution, it did not receive special constitutional protections unlike states such as Jammu & Kashmir (earlier), Sikkim, and several North-Eastern states. Nevertheless, the Portuguese period, despite its criticisms, left behind significant governance legacies-the Uniform Civil Code, Camaras (municipalities), Comunidades, a secular legal system, systematic civil registrations, secular education, and planned architecture. These became defining features of Goan society and contributed to its distinct way of life.
Today, some of these legacies-especially those related to land ownership and communidade governance—are under threat. Land and its resources are central to any community, as they shape demographics, culture, food habits, and identity. While certain Indian states restrict land ownership to preserve their character, Goa lacks similar constitutional safeguards. Although legal limitations may exist, individuals and communities still have a responsibility to act consciously. This is not about resisting diversity, but about finding a balance-welcoming people from different cultures while safeguarding the core character and heritage of Goa.
Let us dwell in our Scripture to see how Governance should be as per our Faith. The Bible offers clear guidance on governance, leadership, justice and Land use which are relevant to how regions like Goa should be governed. Key principles include:
Righteous Governance (Proverbs 14:34) – “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” This highlights that good governance is rooted in righteousness. Leaders must promote justice, equality, and the well-being of all citizens.
Leaders as Servants (Matthew 20:26-28) – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Leadership is about serving others with humility and compassion, not for personal gain. Goa’s leaders should be committed to serving their people selflessly. Justice and Mercy (Micah 6:8) – “Act justly and love mercy.” True governance seeks both justice and mercy, ensuring that policies balance fairness with compassion, especially for marginalized communities.
A Kingdom of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7) – “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” This prophecy reflects the ideal of a peaceful and just leadership, urging Goa to build a society centered on peace, wisdom, and love.
Land use (Leviticus 25:23-24): “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.” This reminds us that land resources are entrusted to humanity, but ownership ultimately belongs to God, urging responsible and just stewardship of the land.
The Role of Goa in the Indian Republic
In India’s journey as a republic, Goa occupies a distinctive place. It stands not only as a testament to colonial resistance and eventual integration into the Indian Union, but also as a living example of spiritual and cultural harmony. Goa’s churches, temples, and natural landscapes reflect a rare blend of tradition and modernity, the sacred and the secular. This unique synthesis presents both challenges and opportunities for governance.
Goa’s future is closely tied to its ability to preserve its distinctive identity while contributing meaningfully to India’s broader vision of unity, peace, and prosperity. Its leaders are therefore called to govern with wisdom, drawing on enduring moral principles that emphasize justice, mercy, and peace, ensuring that political, social, and cultural development remains balanced and inclusive.
Conclusion: A Vision for Goa’s Future
As Goa continues to grow and evolve, biblical principles offer valuable guidance for shaping its future. Promoting righteousness, serving the people, acting justly, and striving for peace must remain at the heart of governance. The destiny of Goa, like that of any state or nation, is deeply connected to the quality and values of its leadership. May the leaders and citizens of Goa look to these timeless values for inspiration, working together to build a future marked by unity, justice, and peace within the Republic of India. Trusting that God is sovereign over all governments, we pray that His wisdom may guide Goa toward a flourishing and harmonious future.
Let us also remember that citizens play a vital role in this process. By responsibly exercising the Right to Vote and the wise use of land resource. We owe it to our beloved Goa to be a powerful state in which we would uphold justice, mercy, and humility in governance–for the good of all and the common good of society.
Happy Republic Day
Adlete Mascarenhas