Goa Liberation Day: History and Significance of the day

Goa Liberation Day (गोवा मुक्ति दिवस) is celebrated every year on December 19 in India and it denotes the day Indian armed forces liberated Goa in 1961 following 450 years of Portuguese rule.

The Goa Liberation Day praises the liberation of Goa from Portuguese dominion on 19th December 1961. It is viewed as an important day, as it ended an age-old rule that was ultimately exploitative and disappointing. The Liberation of Goa from the Portuguese domain was a serious groundbreaking event in the generally chequered Goan history.

Goa Liberation Day is tied in with celebrating the independence of Goa from the Portuguese. Goa is a state on the south-western coast of India within the region known as the Konkan. It is bordered by the states of Maharashtra toward the north and Karnataka toward the east and south, as well as the Arabian Sea toward the west. Its capital is Panaji, which lies on the north-central coast of the mainland district. After being liberated from Portuguese possession, it became a part of India in 1962 and was formally perceived as an independent country in 1987.

The Portuguese colonized a few parts of India in 1510 yet before the finish of the 19th-century Portuguese colonies in India were restricted to Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, and Anjediva Island. The Goa liberation movement, which tried to end Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, begun with small scale revolts.

On August 15, 1947, when India picked up its Independence, Goa was as yet under Portuguese rule. The Portuguese wouldn’t surrender their hold over Goa and other Indian regions. Following a myriad of unsuccessful negotiations and diplomatic efforts with the Portuguese, the previous prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, concluded that military intercession was the lone option.

The 36-hour military activity, led from December 18, 1961, was code-named ‘Operation Vijay’ signifying ‘Operation Victory,’ and included attacks by the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Indian Army.

As per the Indian Navy website, Indian soldiers recovered the Goan region on December 19 with little opposition and the removed governor-general Manuel António Vassalo e Silva signed the certificate of surrender subsequently finishing Portuguese rule in the region to an end. This made India totally liberated from foreign rule.

Goa Liberation Day is set apart by a wealth of events and celebrations in Goa however this time in light of the pandemic the celebrations are required to be quieted. A torchlight parade is lighted from three different areas in the state, eventually all meeting at the Azad Maidan. This is the place where a tribute is made to the individuals who lost their lives in the takeover of Goa.

Different cultural programs like Sugam Sangeet — an Indian musical genre with poetry in the Kannada language — are additionally held to mark the event.

Goa Liberation Day is praised by the individuals of Goa with a lot of zeal and eagerness. Governor and the Chief Minister expand their greetings and remember the brave hearts who set out their lives for the independence of the state. Torchlights rallies are taken out from various areas and different cultural events are held in the state to celebrate the day.

Every year, people groups in Goa observe Goa Liberation Day with incredible energy. The torchlight parade will take off from three different areas and will prescription together at Azad Maidan where individuals of Goa will accumulate to honor the martyrs, who lost their lives while battling for the liberation of Goa.

After this, the festivals will take off with a few cultural activities all around Goa. From traditional dances by school girls to fairs, the parties will be led until late at night. Post pictures and share your celebrations on social media by using the hashtag #GoaLiberationDay.

Presently, this day is marked with celebrations in Goa with various patriotic events every year. It additionally brings a reminder for the residents to get familiar with the Goa Liberation Day history. Goa Liberation Day 2020 will be marked by the participation of the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.