Goa Opinion Poll Day is celebrated on 16 January and on this day 54 years ago Goans joined hands to define Goa's history by deciding against merger with Maharashtra.
The people of Goa voted against the merger and Goa continued to be a union territory. Subsequently, in 1987, Goa became a full-fledged state within the Indian Union.
The referendum offered the people of Goa a choice between continuing as a union territory or merging with the state of Maharashtra. It is the only referendum to have been held in independent India.
It's time to remember and salute our Goan heroes including Dr Jack Sequeira. Goa remembers its sons of the soil and they all are in our heart and mind.
RONNIE D'SOUZA, Chandor
