Goa Liberation Day 2021: History, Significance and all you need to know

Bhubaneswar:  India is celebrating today the 60th anniversary of Goa Liberation Day that marks the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule.

History

In the year 1510, Portuguese entered the pre-independent Indian subcontinent and gradually colonized several parts of the country including Goa, Daman, Diu and Nagar Haveli. Although India got independence from British rule in 1947, Portuguese continued rule Goa. After the independent India failed to free Goa from the Portuguese colonial rule by means of negotiations and diplomatic efforts, the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru called from military intervention. Hence, Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force conducted a joint operation that was named ‘Operation Vijay’. The operation continued for about 36-hours and finally, the Portuguese gave up as their deposed governor general Manuel Antonio Vassalo e Silva signed the certificate of surrender.

Thus, after 450 years under Portuguese rule, Goa tasted freedom. Celebrating the state’s newly found freedom; India celebrated Goa Liberation Day on December 19, every year.

Significance

Goa Liberation Day is celebrated every year to honour the Indian armed forces for freeing Goa from the Portuguese colonial rule.  The state observes this day by organizing several programmes.

Lesser known facts about Goa:

  • It celebrates two Independence Days, one on August 15 (Indian Independence Day) ; another on December 19 (Goa Liberation Day).
  • It is a forested land with over 400 bird species.
  • It flaunts some of the oldest rocks and India’s largest waterfall Dudhsagar Falls.
  • It is the only state that allows q two-wheel taxi.

 

 

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