Goa Liberation Day 2023: 10 Important Points To Understand The Story Behind Liberation from Portuguese Rule

Goa Liberation Day 2023: Goa Liberation Day annually commemorates the independence of Goa and its integration into India. The day also celebrates the success of the military operation Vijay. This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the Goa Liberation against the Portuguese rule. 

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This article will help you understand and learn about the history of the Goa Liberation from Portuguese rule. 

1. Despite the Independence of India from British Colonial Rule in 1947, Goa was under the domination of the Portuguese who ruled the territory since 1505. The liberation of Goa, along with Daman and Diu marks the successful integration with India. 
2. The Portuguese are known to be the first and last European invaders of India. Alfonso Albuquerque defeated a combined fleet of Egyptian, Arab and Zamorin in the battle of Diu, and established a powerful marine force in Goa. In the year 1503, they built the first fort in Cochin and the second in Cannanore. 
3. The Bombay port known to Portuguese as Bom Bahia, was handed over as dowry of Catherine de Braganza to Charles II of England in 1661.
4. Portuguese while ruling over Goa faced the wrath of the Maratha Empire at regular intervals. Even after regular pushback, they managed to hold on to Goa, their proud possession in the east. 
5. The native population of Goa was largely converted to Roman Catholicism after 1510. And this made a group of Goans opposed to Portuguese rule. They desired to control and rule over Goa. However because most Goans did not support these revolts, the movement bore no fruits.
6.  The Conspiracy of the Pintos, an effort by Tipu Sultan to usurp Portuguese authority in 1787, was the first such plot to undermine Portuguese sovereignty.
7. The colonies had hoped for self-determination following the 1910 abolition of the Portuguese monarchy. Colonial policies, however, did not undergo any significant change.
8. The "Acto Colonial" (Colonial Act), passed by Portugal that outlawed political gatherings and demonstrations in all of its colonies, marked the beginning of the independence movement. 
9. Goa's anti-Portuguese activities coincided with anti-British feelings across the nation. During the 1928 Indian National Congress session in Calcutta, Tristão de Bragança Cunha, who is regarded as the founder of Goan nationalism, established the Goa National Congress. In Goa, during a satyagraha movement, the Portuguese opened fire on the willing participants. India severed its ties with Portugal in protest of the decision.
10.  The Indian government said that Goa should join India "either with full peace or with full use of force" after diplomatic efforts failed. There were military personnel positioned near the Goan border. Operation Vijay, a full-fledged military operation, was conducted on December 18 and 19, 1961. Manuel António Vassalo e Silva, the Governor-General of Portuguese India, signed an instrument of capitulation with very little opposition.

Scroll the tweets below to learn more about Goa Liberation Day

Hoisted the National Flag and Inspected the Guard of Honor to mark 62nd #GoaLiberationDay at Goa University Ground, Taleigao.

Paid tributes to all the freedom fighters who have fought for the Liberation of Goa from the colonial rule.

The Govt of Goa is committed to vision of… pic.twitter.com/ZTPHSrYqaS

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) December 19, 2023

On Goa Liberation Day, the nation pays homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for liberation of Goa from colonial rule. We salute the freedom fighters and our armed forces for their exemplary courage and sacrifce. I wish a bright future to the residents of this beautiful…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 19, 2023

On Goa Liberation Day I extend my greetings to the sisters and brothers of Goa.

This day is a powerful reminder of the exemplary courage of the people of Goa displayed in pursuit of their liberation. I bow to the great souls who contributed to the cause of Goa's liberty.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 19, 2023

Every year the Independence Anniversary of Goa from Portuguese is celebrated with huge pomp and joy. Various parades, marches and Torchlight rallies are taken out from different locations and various cultural events are organised in the state to mark the day.

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