Goa Liberation Day 2020: History And Significance

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Goa Liberation Day is an annual observance celebrated on 19 December every year. The event commemorates the day when the Indian Armed Forces freed Goa from the Portuguese rule in 1971.

Before this day, Goa was under the Portuguese rule for 450 years. It is said that several parts of India were colonised by the Portuguese ruler in 1510. But by the end of the 19th century Portuguese colonies were limited only to Daman, Nagar Haveli, Diu and the Anjediva Island. Today we are here to tell you about this day.

History

When India gained its independence on 15 August 1947, Goa was still under the Portuguese rule. This is when Portuguese denied withdrawing their rule from Goa and other territories of India. Even after the repeated negotiations by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the former Prime Minister of India, it was decided that only military intervention could help.
This led to the 36-hour military operation which was conducted on 18 December 1961. The operation was named 'Operation Vijay' which meant operation victory in English. The operation involved the attacks from the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce. It is said that on 19 December 1961, India won and Goa was freed from the Portuguese rule.

Significance

• The Goa Liberation Day is observed by organising various events and festivities.
• People take out a torchlight procession from three different locations within the state.
• People give tribute to those who lost their lives during the Goa Liberation.
• Various cultural programmes are also held.
• The day aims at recognising the importance of Goa, accomplishing the tourism sector.