Families of freedom fighters who joined Goa liberation movement to be feted at Lok Bhavan
PANAJI
Families of freedom fighters from Kerala who were part of the Goa Liberation Movement will be felicitated at a special programme at Lok Bhavan on Friday, December 19, marking the 64th Goa Liberation Day.
According to a statement issued by Lok Bhavan–Kerala, the event, scheduled to begin at 4 pm, will be attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar – who hails from Goa.
The programme seeks to recognise the significant contributions of Kerala’s freedom fighters to the liberation of Goa, keep alive the historical legacy of the movement, especially among younger generations, and strengthen the spirit of patriotism and national unity.
The statement noted that the Goa Liberation Movement was a crucial phase in India’s post-Independence history, culminating in 1961 with the end of Portuguese rule after years of sustained political, cultural and armed resistance. “Freedom fighters from several states, including Kerala, played an important role in intensifying the struggle,” it added.
The Lok Bhavan further said that many Malayalis actively participated in the movement, with activists from organisations such as the Jana Sangh, Praja Socialist Party and the Communist Party at the forefront. Several volunteers faced harsh repression and violence at the hands of Portuguese authorities.
“The Central government has recognised participants in the Goa Liberation Movement as freedom fighters, it said, adding that the families of these fighters would be honoured at the ceremony.”
Among those who took part in the movement, K V Narayanan from Kasaragod is the only surviving participant.
The statement also recalled that several leaders associated with the movement later held prominent public positions. Shivarama Bharathi of Chittur in Palakkad district and Sathyan Kokkery, son of K Kelappan Nair, served as MLAs, while K A Sankara Menon became a member of the BJP National Council.
Highlighting Kerala’s special link with Goa’s liberation, the statement said the military operation that ended Portuguese rule was led by a Malayali, J P Kandath, popularly known as the “Liberator of Goa”. Lieutenant Colonel P K N Pillai, another Malayali who took part in ‘Operation Vijay’—the 1961 Indian Army action that freed Goa—will also be specially honoured at the event.
