2017-12-19 Tue

The fight for freedom was a fact of colonial India. Yet the entire freedom struggle was not against British. Down south many of the coastal territories were occupied by the French and Portuguese. Portuguese advent in India gained momentum in 1510, this invasion of the west coastal region made Goa the centre of Portuguese control in India.

This paradise which is filled with peace-loving people resented the Portuguese control over their territory. There were times when liberation was soughed and the first spark of freedom was seen by the revolt of 1852 triggered by Dipaji Rane. This led to a series of protest in 1885 led by Dada Rane. The last rebellion took place in 1912 but these all uprising was crushed by the Portuguese government.

The hope of liberated Goa was still burning within the people. In 1946, people assembled under the leadership of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia for the future course of action towards freedom and democracy. Many organizations like National Congress Goa, Azad Gamantak Dal, United Front of Goans, Goa liberation Council, etc. came into existence.

In the year of 1961, a seminar was held in New Delhi on Portuguese colonialism. In the later session of this seminar held in Mumbai, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declared the motives of India to liberate Goa.

On 18th December 1961, the Indian Armed Forces launched an equipped action code ‘Operation Vijay’. This armed operation was completed and successful today, on 19th December 1961.

After liberation, Goa retained its separate identity, on 30th May 1987 Goa gain the title of statehood.

India Post has issued a commemorative stamp to celebrate the golden jubilee of Goa’s Liberation Movement in 2011.