Pakistani-Origin Resident Granted Citizenship in Goa; CM Highlights Welfare and Cultural Initiatives

Porvorim, Aug 2025 : Brendan Valentine Crasto, a Roman Catholic originally from Pakistan and a long-time resident of Anjuna, expressed heartfelt gratitude after being granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Crasto, who had awaited this moment for years, became the third Pakistani national to receive Indian citizenship in Goa.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant personally handed over the citizenship certificate in Porvorim. “I had been waiting for this citizenship for a long time and I am very thankful to the CAA. The process was very fast,” Crasto said after receiving the certificate on Monday.

Welfare Commitments Under ‘Mera Ghar’

Even as the state government marked the milestone in Crasto’s life, Chief Minister Sawant reiterated his administration’s focus on social welfare. Speaking on Sunday, Sawant reaffirmed that the government is committed to providing housing for the underprivileged through its flagship Mera Ghar scheme.

“We had given houses to some people in my constituency. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, we organised a griha pravesh ceremony for three huts. Our government works on the principles of Antyodaya, Sarvodaya and Gramodaya,” he said.

He stressed that the aim of the Mera Ghar initiative is to ensure that every Goan family has access to secure housing and land rights. “We are working to solve the housing and land issues of every household in Goa,” the Chief Minister added.

Celebration of Marathi Cinema

Alongside governance measures, Sawant also highlighted the state’s cultural vibrancy. On August 10, he inaugurated the 14th edition of the Goa Marathi Film Festival in Panaji, an event attended by filmmakers, artists and dignitaries including Mahesh Manjrekar and Mrinal Kulkarni.

Sharing his thoughts on social media, Sawant congratulated organiser Sanjay Shetty for successfully hosting the festival. “I extend a hearty welcome to all film lovers, artistes, directors and dignitaries who have come to Goa for this festival. Their presence has enriched our cultural heritage and inspired our creative community,” he wrote.

From granting citizenship to strengthening welfare programmes and supporting cultural platforms, the Chief Minister underlined the state’s inclusive and progressive vision.