Leaders extend greetings on Goa Liberation Day
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday greeted the people of Goa on the state’s liberation day.
The Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the success of ‘Operation Vijay’ undertaken by the armed forces to liberate the state from the Portuguese in 1961.
In a social media post, President Murmu said the country salutes 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.
“On Goa Liberation Day, the nation remembers with gratitude the bravehearts who fought relentlessly to liberate Goa from colonial rule,” the President said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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,” in a social media post. “Their sacrifices continue to inspire us as we work towards the all-round progress of Goa,” he said.
Extending best wishes to the people of Goa, Home Minister Shah said the present generation may not know that Indians had to obtain permission to visit Goa till 1961 and it was after great sacrifices made by patriots that the state became an integral part of India.
In a social media post, Shah said, “Best wishes to the people of Goa-on-Goa Liberation Day. The present generation may not know that Indians had to obtain permission to visit Goa till 1961. Many great souls like Prabhakar Vaidya, Bala Raya Mapari, Nanaji Deshmukh Ji, and Jagannath Rao Joshi Ji stood against this and fought for the liberation of Goa.”
“After great sacrifices made by our patriots, Goa became an integral part of India. With heartfelt gratitude, I bow to all the noble souls who endured immense pain for the freedom of Goa.”
Shah also paid tributes to the revolutionaries of the Kakori Train Action, including Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan and Roshan Singh on their martyrdom day.
The home minister said their sacrifice gave new energy to the freedom struggle through the ‘Kakori Train Action’ and shook the foundations of British rule.
He said, “Tribute to Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan and Roshan Singh on their Balidaan Diwas, honouring their sacrifice which gave new energy to the freedom struggle through the ‘Kakori Train Action’ and shook the foundations of British rule.”
The home minister said that these freedom fighters not only realised the resolve that the resources of the country and the goods produced by its hardworking people rightfully belong to the people themselves but they also became a source of inspiration for courage and valour for other revolutionaries.
On Goa Liberation Day, the nation remembers with gratitude the bravehearts who fought relentlessly to liberate Goa from colonial rule
—Droupadi Murmu, President
