Prime Minister Narendra Modion Friday remembered the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the war that liberated Goa from Portuguese rule and made it a part of integrated Indian territory in 1961. It was the grand success of ‘Operation Vijay’.
“Goa Liberation Day reminds us of a defining chapter in our national journey. We recall the indomitable spirit of those who refused to accept injustice and fought for freedom with courage and conviction. Their sacrifices continue to inspire us as we work towards the all-round progress of Goa,” PM Modi said on X.
#WATCH | Goa CM Pramod Sawant attends the Goa Liberation Day event organised at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Dona Paula. pic.twitter.com/bNVQfPT4HY
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu remembered the bravery of the those who fought with love and sheer grit for the liberation of Goa.
“On Goa Liberation Day, the nation remembers with gratitude the bravehearts who fought relentlessly to liberate Goa from colonial rule. We salute our freedom fighters and armed forces for their unwavering resolve and unflinching dedication. I wish the people of Goa a bright and prosperous future,” she said in a post on X.
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Goa’s liberation – A story of courage and strategy
Following the country’s independence in 1947, the regime had major challenges to tackle, including the integration of regions like Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad among others. For the scenic beauty of Goa, the India government made several diplomatic outreach to persuade Portugal to hand over Goa peacefully.
However, Portugal, which ruled Goa for over 450 years, rejected all requests. This led to the Goa Liberation Movement, with significant participation from local leaders and the public. Several key leaders including Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and Dr Juliao Menezes openly challenged Portuguese restrictions by organising public protests in Goa.
The Portuguese authorities faced resistance in the form of protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. The administration responded with arrests, censorship, and all modes to suppress dissent. Many people were imprisoned, while others were forced to operate underground.
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Goa Liberation Movement
Regarded as ‘Father of Goan Nationalism’, TB Cunha initiated the first organised movement aimed at ending Portuguese rule in Goa. In 1961, the Indian Armed Forces during then PM Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru’s tenure, launched ‘Operation Vijay’ to capture Goa and separate it from Portugal’s rule. The operation was also conducted to free Daman and Diu.
According to a report in Doordarshan, the 36-hour-long meticulous operation led to the surrender of Portuguese Governor-General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva on Dec 19, 1961.
Since that day, Goa evolved from a colonial entity to a tourist destination with beauty and joy to offer to the world. |
