In News

The Prime Minister attended the function marking the Goa Liberation Day celebrations in Goa.

Goa Liberation Day:

• The Annexation of Goa was the process in which the Republic of India annexed Estado da India, the then Portuguese Indian territories of Goa, Daman and Diu, starting with the armed action carried out by the Indian Armed Forces in December 1961.
• India claimed the Portuguese territories by military power means after the Salazar dictatorship of Portugal refused to leave.
• The “armed action” was code-named Operation Vijay (meaning “Victory”) by the Indian Armed Forces.
• Every year on December 19th, the Indian Armed Forces commemorate the liberation of Goa from Portuguese domination in 1961, called “Operation Vijay.”
• Goa was invaded by Indian forces who crossed the border.
• The Portuguese soldiers unconditionally surrendered on December 19 after more than 36 hours of relentless land, sea, and airstrikes.

Importance of the Day

• Goa did not obtain independence together with the rest of India. It was freed in 1961, and it was no longer under foreign authority.
• The Portuguese dominated Goa for more than 450 years, and the war against them in the 18th and 19th centuries is documented in history.
• Finally, on June 18, 1946, the Goa independence movement acquired strength under the leadership of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, who rallied young Goans to help liberate the state. The day has since been known as Goa Revolution Day.