Evelyn Siqueira
Goa achieved statehood on Saturday, May 30, 1987. Prior to that, Goa, Daman and Diu was a Union Territory of the Republic of India, and was established in 1961.
Goa became the 25th state of India. In fact, it is the smallest state in India.
Statehood day celebrations in Goa were low-key as the country was in a four-day mourning period, following the death of Prime Minister, Charan Singh.
Dr Gopal Singh became the first Governor of Goa, and was sworn in at 8.45 am on May 30, 1987.
Pratapsingh Rane was the First Chief Minister of the State of Goa.
He was also the last Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.
At the time of Goa’s statehood, Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India.