PANAJI
The Governor of Goa, Bhagat Singh Koshyari has conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the historic occasion of Goa Revolution Day on June 18.
In his message, the Governor said, it is red-letter day in 1946 that Dr Ram Manohar Lohia a great stalwart of freedom struggle against the British India, launched an unprecedented movement from Lohia Maidan in protest the denial of most elementary civil rights to the people of Goa. On this day a sea of humanity had gathered at the Lohia Maidan. Dr Lohia openly defied the Portuguese authorities and arrived at Lohia Maidan to render his speech. He dared the Portuguese police to shoot him. His fearless act electrified the crowds.
The Governor further says, on this memorable occasion let us all bow our heads in reverence to the memory of all the martyrs, freedom fighters and statesmen who through their valour enabled Goa to become a part of India and define her own destiny. It is because of the sacrifices of these great souls that Goa today stands tall as a developed and prosperous welfare State.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also conveyed his warm and best wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of its Revolution Day. In his message, Sawant said, “this day has immense importance in the history of Goa's freedom struggle movement. In the year 1946, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia along with Dr Julião Menezes, with his fearless speech against the oppressive colonial rule, manifested the courage in Goans to fight against Portuguese regime and became the torch bearer of civil disobedience movement. This spark which was lit by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia turned into big flames in the hearts of Goans, which eventually led thousands of Goans to come together and oppose the Salazar's dictatorial rule”.
Remembering the contribution and sacrifice of the freedom fighters, Sawant paid tributes and said the joy of this occasion is doubled as the State of Goa is celebrating it's 60th Liberation Day this year. Let us continue to work towards the betterment and making Goa a model State for others to emulate, he concluded.
