“Do Not Remain Silent”: Yuri Alemão Calls Youth to Active Citizenship at Fransalian Conference

Goa, January 31, 2026: Yuri Alemão, Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly, on Friday urged young people to overcome fear and silence and to engage actively in public life, describing political participation as a moral and social responsibility.

Addressing the 2nd National Fransalian Youth Conference at the Pilar Pilgrims Centre from January 30 to February 1, Alemão spoke on the theme “The Role of Youth in Politics and Social Development.” He challenged the youth to move beyond apathy and to exercise their constitutional right to question, speak, and participate in democracy.

Sharing his personal journey, Alemão recounted his early aspirations to become a doctor, his brief stint in medical college, and later aviation training in Australia. He recalled surviving near-fatal incidents during pilot training, including engine failures and a crash landing, and said faith sustained him during moments of helplessness, shaping his sense of purpose and service.

Alemão said politics was not a planned career but a calling that emerged after his return to Goa, influenced by family background and encouragement from well-wishers. His first electoral contest in the remote constituency of Sanguem ended in a narrow defeat by 200 votes, an experience he said deepened his understanding of grassroots realities. In 2022, he returned to the fray and secured victory with one of the highest margins in the state.

Reflecting on his role as Leader of the Opposition, Alemão spoke candidly about the challenges posed by defections and power-driven politics, describing defections as a serious threat to democracy. He noted that the anti-defection law was enacted to curb political instability in states such as Goa.

Expressing concern over the prevailing socio-political climate, he questioned the silence of the youth amid rising unemployment, corruption, environmental degradation, frequent accidents, and gaps in the health system. He also drew attention to the growing migration of young Goans abroad.

“Politics does not begin and end with elections,” Alemão said, underscoring the importance of community engagement, accountability, and the empowerment of marginalised communities. He cautioned that attacks on journalists, writers, and free expression erode democratic values secured through India’s freedom struggle.

Clarifying that he was not urging young people to join any political party, Alemão called on them to become informed, courageous, and responsible citizens. Describing public life as a “crown of thorns,” he said the struggle to safeguard democracy remains essential for the sake of future generations.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, with Alemão responding to questions from nearly 250 youth participants and 50 youth animators from across the country.

“Do Not Remain Silent”: Yuri Alemão Calls Youth to Active Citizenship at Fransalian Conference

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