Panaji, March 17 Goa Governor P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and other senior leaders paid tribute to former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the occasion of his death anniversary.
Several leaders gathered at Parrikar's memorial at Miramar Beach, where he was cremated in 2019, to offer floral tributes.
The governor recalled Parrikar's key role in enabling the inclusion of women in defence training.
He said the late leader had supported the idea of inducting girl cadets in a phased manner once the National Defence Academy (NDA) was opened to women.
Sawant noted that Goa would always remember Parrikar for his contribution to the state's overall development, and added that his government has been carrying forward the legacy of the former chief minister.
The chief minister also unveiled a portrait of Parrikar at the state assembly complex. Deputy Speaker Joshua D'Souza was also present on the occasion.
Parrikar served as the Chief Minister of Goa three times — from 2000-2005, 2012-2014 and 2017-2019. He also served as the Defence Minister from 2014 to 2017 in the Narendra Modi-led government.