Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day, paid tribute to the valiant women and men whose determination and sacrifices led to the region’s freedom from Portuguese rule.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Today, on Goa Liberation Day, we recall the bravery and determination of the great women and men who were actively involved in the movement to free Goa. Their valour motivates us to keep working for the betterment of Goa and the prosperity of the people of the state.”
President Droupadi Murmu also extended heartfelt gratitude to the freedom fighters and armed forces, acknowledging their pivotal roles in liberating Goa from colonial oppression.
“On Goa Liberation Day, the nation pays tribute to bravehearts who made selfless sacrifices for the liberation of Goa from colonial rule. We salute the fearless freedom fighters and our armed forces for their exceptional courage and unwavering dedication. I extend warm wishes to the people of Goa and wish them a prosperous future,” the President said.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed pride in the state’s journey and called on citizens to continue striving toward a better future.
“Today, we honor the progressive journey of Goa’s development and the strides we’ve made towards achieving our dream of a ‘Golden Goa.’ The sacrifices and efforts of our revolutionary freedom fighters will always be remembered and cherished. I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who led ‘Operation Vijay’ and liberated Goa from centuries of colonial oppression. Let us work together toward the betterment of our state, aligning with the vision of Swayampurna and a Viksit Goa,” Sawant said.
Observed annually on December 19, Goa Liberation Day commemorates the successful military action known as Operation Vijay in 1961. This operation ended 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule, marking a new chapter in the region’s history.
The annexation of Goa, Daman, and Diu occurred 14 years after India gained independence from British rule, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggles post-1947 to unify the nation.
