State of Goa, India: The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, visited the Hansa Naval base upon his arrival yesterday and continued today his visits to heritage sites in the State of Goa as part of his State Visit in India.

Indian Naval Base INS Hansa, Goa

President Faure and his delegation was welcomed at the Indian Naval Base INS Hansa at Dabolim Airport, Goa by the Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai and secretary protocol, Shri WVR Murthy.

The Head of State attended a presentation and video screening which provided him with a brief overview of the history, roles and responsibilities as well as various special tasks at INS Hansa. The presentation was an opportunity for the Indian Naval Base INS Hansa to also show the different cooperation areas that they already have with the Government of Seychelles.

The presentation was followed by a tour of their naval base where Dornier aircrafts and various types of helicopters and other aircrafts are stationed.

Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery, Old Goa

The President was welcomed by the Assistant Archaeologist, Dr Krishore Raghubans, where he was given a tour of the museum and gallery.

The museum houses some lovely fragments of sculpture from Hindu temple sites in Goa, and some Sati stones. It is run by the Government of India's Archaeological Survey of India and is situated in the former Portuguese colonial capital of Old Goa. The gallery contains portraits of some 60 of Goa’s Portuguese viceroys, spanning more than 400 years of Portuguese rule.

Church of St Francis of Assisi

He visited the Church of St Francis of Assisi, a Roman Catholic Church situated in the main square of Old Goa.

It was built in 1661 by the Portuguese and the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, together with a convent, was established by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

President Faure and delegation ended their visits at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, which is venerated worldwide every 10 years, the next public veneration being set for December 2024.

After the decline of Old Goa, a few churches and convents have retained its grandeur and have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1986.

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