Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurating the Hutatma Smruti Smarak in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, Cabinet ministers, MLAs and representatives of the freedom fighters’ association at Patradevi on Wednesday.
MAPUSA
At a time when a new generation is increasingly asserting itself on the streets and questioning the establishment, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday chose Goa’s liberation memorial to deliver a message to the youth: freedom comes with responsibility, and the unity of the country cannot be taken for granted. Singh’s repeated emphasis on the responsibilities of the younger generation, national unity and the need to reject “narrow-minded thoughts” stood out in an otherwise largely commemorative address. Speaking after inaugurating the Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi, Singh reminded the youth that the freedom they enjoy today came at the cost of the blood and lives of those who fought for the country’s independence and Goa’s liberation.
“We have got our freedom at a price and it is important we know our responsibility. The freedom fighters have taught us to keep the unity of our country. The youth should remember this. We need to move forward shoulder to shoulder,” Singh said.
His message came against a backdrop of growing youth-led political assertion, with the Gen Z generation emerging as an increasingly visible force in public protests.
Singh’s remarks appeared to underline the government’s broader expectation that the younger generation should channel its energy towards nation-building while preserving national unity. Calling for “national consensus, national unity and national resolve”, Singh cautioned against narrow-minded thinking and said the country could move forward only when people worked together. He used the story of Goa’s Liberation struggle to drive home the point, highlighting how young men and women from different parts of the country travelled to Goa and joined the fight against Portuguese rule. “The identity of being Bharatiya brought the satyagrahis from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and other states to Goa to fight for Goa’s liberation,” he said.
Singh also had a message for young tourists visiting Goa. He urged them to visit Patradevi not merely as a tourist attraction but as a place to understand the sacrifices behind Goa’s freedom. “Don’t come for a selfie. Come to draw inspiration about the Indians who gave their lives for the freedom of Goa,” he said.
The Defence Minister said the memorial should remind future generations that national unity was among the greatest lessons left behind by the freedom fighters.
He also invoked the Indian armed forces’ role in the liberation of Goa in 1961, describing their conduct as an example of professionalism and maturity.
Referring to India’s present security posture, Singh said the country had never pursued an expansionist agenda and did not seek to target other nations. However, he asserted that India would respond firmly to any threat. “Operation Sindoor is another shining example. We do not eye to any country, but if any country tries to meddle with us, we will give a befitting response,” he said. Singh said India had made significant economic strides and had emerged as a country whose voice carried weight internationally. “Now when India speaks at international forums, the world listens with rapt attention,” he said.
In a significant direction on the history of Goa’s Liberation, Singh asked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to undertake a comprehensive exercise to identify all those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle. He stressed that not a single name should be left out and urged the government to have the names of all those who shed their blood for Goa’s freedom inscribed in stone. The Defence Minister inaugurated the memorial in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, Cabinet ministers, MLAs and representatives of the freedom fighters’ association. He also released the book – Martyrs of Goa on the occasion.
