PANAJI: Goa celebrated its 64th Liberation Day today, paying tribute to the brave men and women who ended 451 years of Portuguese rule. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led the celebrations at the Goa University Ground in Taleigao, highlighting the sacrifices that shaped the state’s freedom.
Speaking at the event, CM Sawant recalled, “The resistance began in the 1500s, with uprisings like the Cuncolim revolt, the rebellion of Dipaji Rane, and the Pinto revolt. The movement gained momentum after Dr Ram Manohar Lohia’s historic speech in Margao, urging people to rise against Portuguese rule with the cry ‘Vande Mataram’. Even after India gained independence in 1947, Goa remained under foreign rule. Satyagrahis from across India joined our struggle, and in 1955, unarmed protestors at Patradevi, including martyrs like Babban Singh from Punjab, laid down their lives.”
He also recalled that when peaceful methods failed, the Indian government launched Operation Vijay on December 18, 1961, leading to the Portuguese surrender the next day.
Turning to Goa’s post-liberation progress, the Chief Minister highlighted the role of the first Chief Minister, Bhausaheb Bandodkar, in establishing schools in every village, and the late Manohar Parrikar in laying the foundation for modern infrastructure. “Under the ‘Double Engine’ government and the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, projects initiated during Parrikar’s tenure have been completed,” he said.
CM Sawant praised Goa’s achievements in literacy, rural electrification, road connectivity, and water supply, and emphasized its growth as an educational hub with institutions like NIT, GIM, the National Forensic Science University, and the International School of Law. Linking these developments to the ‘Swayampurna Goa’ vision, he said initiatives in agriculture, horticulture, dairy, and skill development were empowering Goans.
He also urged citizens to uphold civic responsibilities and environmental awareness. “A clean, green, and beautiful Goa is possible only when every citizen and visitor cooperates. Proper waste management and environmental care are duties of all Goans,” CM Sawant said.
The celebrations concluded with recognition of police personnel, home guards, students, and award recipients. “We are working toward a Developed Goa by 2047, in line with a Developed India. On behalf of all Goans, I bow to our freedom fighters. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” he said.
