India obtained its liberation from the British Rule on 15 August 1947, thus the Independence day is observed every year on 15 August. However, the smallest state in India, Goa celebrates its Liberation Day on December 19, because Goa stood free from the Portuguese on December 19. Even this year, the Goa Liberation Day would be celebrated with great prosperity. The year 2020 is the diamond jubilee celebration for Goans for their liberation from Portuguese Rule. Goa will have celebrations to commemorate it's 60 years of liberation from the Portuguese rule.
The Portuguese colonised India in 1510, conquering multiple parts of the western coast and constructing several colonies in the east. And by the end of the 19th century, the Portuguese colonies in India were limited to Diu, Daman, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Anjediva Island and Goa. Numerous Goans living in the Portuguese rule rebelled against them because policies perceived by Portuguese were brutal and the relentless government campaigns were converting the predominantly Hindu Goans to Christianity. Despite major 14 revolts against Portuguese rule, none of the uprisings was successful in finishing off the Portuguese era. The Goa Liberation Movement was started in Goa which was fought to end Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, India. However, by the 1940s, the Goa Liberation Movement gained momentum and got inspired by the Indian Independence Movement and the 1946 British announcements to grant India independence. Accordingly, Indian leaders focused their attention on the liberation movements in Portuguese India and French India that strived to join the newly independent Indian states.
The Goa Liberation Movement built on the small-scale revolts of the 19th century, grew powerful during the period 1940-1961. This movement was conducted both inside and outside Goa and was portrayed by a range of moves including non-violent demonstrations, diplomatic methods and revolutionary efforts. Even the Indian government tried to settle the matter with peace in many ways, but the Portuguese were not ready to depart from Goa. Numerous Goans reportedly felt that the Portuguese were intentionally misleading the International community by portraying Goans as Luso-Indians or Portuguese. With gradually increased support from the international community and intensified uprising in India and rebellions in the Portuguese African colonies, the policy position of the Indian Government was prepared to become more hardline. After the failure of several diplomatic attempts with the Portuguese, the Government of India ordered the Indian Armed Forces to take Goa by force. In a military operation conducted on 18 and 19 December 1961, Indian soldiers captured Goa with little resistance, and the Government-General of Portuguese India signed an instrument of surrender. Massive celebrations were observed by the Goans for their freedom from the Portuguese rule and 19 December was decided as the Goa Liberation Day.
Large scale celebrations are observed every year on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day. And this year, Goa is celebrating 60 years of liberation from the Portuguese and the Goan government has announced a massive celebration. Goan Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that they will begin the 60th year of Goa's liberation with grand celebrations. The Chief Minister also announced various programmes from December 19, 2020, to December 19, 2021, to mark the diamond jubilee of the Goa Liberation Day and he also requested Rs 100 crore from the Central Government. The Congress Party has boycotted a meeting called by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to plan celebrations, saying that they are against the extravaganza in these difficult times. The conclusions to celebrate the Liberation Day of Goa will be determined by the government, but apart from all the opinions and politics, the liberation that the state of Goa has earned with its overwhelming efforts is nothing but a bright opportunity to create a better future.
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Reference:
- www.irgu.unigoa.ac.in
- www.india.timesofnews.com
- www.goalive.org
- www.wikipedia.com
- www.hindustantimes.com