Purushottam Kakodkar participated in the Quit India Movement (1942-45), engaging in underground activities. In 1945, he founded the Goa Seva Sangh in Madgaon (now Margao) for constructive independence efforts like khadi spinning and organising prayers and flag-hoisting. He mobilised Sangh volunteers for Dr Ram Manohar Lohia’s Civil Disobedience Movement meeting on June 18, 1946. Kakodkar led the Goa National Congress political group, merging it with the Gomantak Congress and others to form the National Congress (Goa) in Londa, August 1946. Arrested on August 9, 1946, in Madgaon by Portuguese police for allegedly inciting disobedience, he was detained in Madgaon and Panaji police lock-ups. While in Panaji lock-up, he staged a fast for several days protesting the poor quality of food. Sentenced in 1946, Kakodkar served nine years in Portuguese prisons, deported to Portugal and later rearrested in Lisbon. Kakodkar’s memorable story is documented for posterity at the Sinquerim-based Aguad Interactive Museum: Goa - The Land, The Struggle, The People.
