THURSDAY, MAY 09, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have extended their heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day.
In his message, the Governor said, “Sixty-two years ago, the people of Goa, with unwavering courage and determination, reclaimed their freedom, marking the end of centuries of Portuguese dominance. It is a day that symbolises the triumph of the human spirit, the resilience of a people, and the relentless pursuit of justice.”
The Governor said, while India gained its independence on August 15, 1947 but Goa was still crumbling under 450 years of Portuguese rule. The Portuguese were among the first to colonise parts of India and refused to give up their hold over Goa and other Indian territories, even in the wake of India’s independence. Satyagrahis, journalists and even legendary artists suffered and sacrificed their precious lives for the noble cause of Goa’s liberation.
“The liberation of Goa was a moment of rebirth for a land that has since flourished in the spirit of unity and diversity. It is an appropriate occasion to recall all the efforts taken by our great freedom fighters and their struggles and sacrifices and also the hard work of the Army and express our gratitude to them. Let us all pay our homage to all those who laid down their valuable life for the freedom of Goa,” he added.
In his message, the Chief Minister said, “On this momentous day, I extend my warm greetings to my Goenkars. Our freedom fighters fought hard and sacrificed their lives to let future generations live with dignity. Today, we recall with pride the bravery and contribution of the freedom fighters during the long-lasting freedom struggle. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude towards these stalwarts of liberation. December 19, 1961, is indeed a historic and remarkable day in Goa's history.”
“We salute our armed forces for their valour. On this day, let us pay tributes to the freedom fighters, who fought for the liberation of our State from colonial rule. Happy Goa Liberation Day to everyone,” he concluded.
