Goa CM Sawant hails teen's Bharat map made from scooter parts
Synopsis
Goa CM Pramod Sawant praised 18-year-old Naman Nitesh Naik of Velguem, who crafted a map of Bharat using recycled scooter chains and mechanical parts on Independence Day, blending patriotism with sustainability.
Key Takeaways
Naman Nitesh Naik , 18, from Velguem, Goa , created a map of Bharat using recycled scooter chains and mechanical spare parts.
The artwork was made on the occasion of Independence Day , linking patriotism with sustainability.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant personally witnessed the creation and publicly praised it on 17 August 2026 .
Sawant urged young Goans to 'Innovate, Recycle and Create for Bharat,' framing the work as a model for youth.
The piece repurposes everyday workshop scrap — discarded scooter parts — into a national symbol.
An 18-year-old from a small Goa village turned discarded scooter chains and mechanical parts into something that stopped Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in his tracks — a detailed map of Bharat, assembled entirely from recycled components, unveiled around Independence Day.
Chains into cartography: what Naman built
Naman Nitesh Naik, a resident of Velguem, Goa, crafted the artwork using salvaged scooter spare parts — chains, sprockets, and other mechanical components — shaping them into the outline and interior of the Indian map. The piece was created on the occasion of Independence Day, lending it an unmistakable patriotic charge. Sawant, who personally witnessed the creation, described it as 'a powerful tribute to our Motherland' that brings together 'patriotism, creativity, innovation and sustainability.' The choice of material is part of what makes the work striking. Scooters are ubiquitous across Goa's roads; their worn-out parts typically end up as workshop scrap. Naman's decision to repurpose that scrap into a national symbol collapses the distance between the everyday and the monumental. Recycling as an act of patriotism — that is the idea at the heart of this piece.Why a CM's acknowledgement matters for Goan youth
State chief ministers across India regularly use social media to spotlight local creative talent around national holidays, but the recognition carries real weight for a young artist from a village like Velguem. Sawant's post explicitly called on young Goans to 'Innovate, Recycle and Create for Bharat' — framing Naman's work not as a one-off curiosity but as a template worth replicating. At 18, Naman sits at the precise intersection of youth, craft, and civic pride that state governments are eager to amplify. Whether this moment translates into institutional support — an exhibition, a scholarship, a platform at a future state-level event — remains the natural next question for Goa's cultural and youth-affairs machinery. For now, a teenager from Velguem has built a map of India out of parts most people throw away. That is the image Jai Hind looks like this Independence Day.Point of View
But Sawant's post does something slightly more purposeful — it ties the gesture to a behavioural call to action around recycling and innovation, which aligns with broader Centre and state-level sustainability messaging. For the BJP in Goa, amplifying a young, apolitical, feel-good story from a village also serves a soft outreach function ahead of any electoral cycle. The real test of intent is whether the state's youth or cultural-affairs departments follow the CM's words with tangible support for Naman or similar grassroots artists.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Naman Nitesh Naik from Goa?
Naman Nitesh Naik is an 18-year-old resident of Velguem, Goa, who gained recognition for creating a map of Bharat using recycled scooter chains and mechanical spare parts on the occasion of Independence Day.
What did Naman Nitesh Naik make from scooter parts?
He crafted a detailed map of Bharat using discarded scooter spare parts including chains and other mechanical components, turning workshop scrap into a patriotic artwork.
Why did Goa CM Pramod Sawant praise Naman Naik?
Sawant praised Naman for combining patriotism, creativity, innovation, and sustainability in a single artwork unveiled around Independence Day, calling it a 'powerful tribute to our Motherland.'
Where is Velguem, Goa?
Velguem is a village in Goa, India, and the home of young artist Naman Nitesh Naik.
What did Pramod Sawant say about recycling and youth?
Sawant urged young Goans to 'Innovate, Recycle and Create for Bharat,' positioning Naman's artwork as an example for the state's youth to follow.
