Dear Editor,
Goa’s Liberation Day which was observed on December 19 has its importance in the history of Goa. This was the day when Goa got her freedom from the dominant rule of the Portuguese with the help of the Indian armed forces and the navy.
The Liberation of Goa was rather a historic event. The fight for Goa’s freedom was dual — inside Goa and outside Goa — which was performed by the Indian Government. Towards the end of 1961, after various unsuccessful talks, the Indian government deployed armed forces. But there were a few issues, as it was assumed that the Portuguese have supersonic interceptors. The dearth of the power of their air force also became a fright. Consequently, the Indian Air Force was advised to offer reinforced support to the ground force.
Lastly, in the words of the late Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, the army conquered Goa on December 17, 1961.
On December 17, 1961, more than 30,000 Indian ground troops with the help of the Indian Air Force and the army, conquered the 3,000-member ill-prepared Portuguese navy. There was a few more armed act following that. The rest of the Portuguese colonies of Daman and Diu were even overpowered. The complete buildup of the Portuguese colonies shaped the Union territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu. The total army operation – ‘Operation Vijay’ was performed almost without any violence. Finally, the Portuguese Governor General Vassalo da Silva freed Goa on 18 December. After three days of the operations, on December 19, 1961, Goa, at last, became a part of India.
The day is observed with so many celebrations in Goa. The festivity showcases a torchlight parade that is conducted from three diverse places in Goa. The three parades eventually gather at the Azad Maidan. At this location, the members of the parade pay their honour to the freedom fighters.
Jubel D’Cruz
