PANJIM: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have extended greetings to the people of Goa, particularly to all the freedom fighter brothers and sisters on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day (June 18).
The Governor in his message said, “The evening of June 18, 1946 at Margao is an unforgettable day in the history of Goa’s reedom struggle. It is on this evening that Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, a great nationalist and valiant freedom fighter against the British Rule, arrived in Margao and defied the Portuguese regime to make a speech that electrified and galvanised the masses to aggressively fight for their freedom from a very repressive Portuguese colonial rule. Thus began a new defining phase of Goa’s freedom struggle that ended with the Liberation of Goa, 15 years later on December 19, 1961”.
The Governor further said, “On this day, let us salute the towering stature of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and bow our heads in homage to all the freedom fighters from Goa and other States who suffered and sacrificed their lives for the achievement of liberation of Goa. Let us also remember with gratitude all the freedom fighters who are still living today and make it a point to remember and recognise their noble services because of which today all the people of Goa are able to enjoy freedom and determine their own destiny. On this historic occasion let us pledge to dedicate ourselves to promote peace and prosperity in the State of Goa,” the Governor concluded.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in his message said, “Goa Revolution Day, marked the last phase of the freedom movement in which thousands of Goans had voluntarily participated. Many freedom fighters embraced martyrdom while many others underwent torture, imprisonment and deportation at the altar of Goa`s liberation during this period”.
This historic day is celebrated as ‘Kranti Din’ to recollect the struggle of the people of Goa for freedom. Remembering the contribution and sacrifice of the freedom fighters, On this memorable occasion let us all bow our heads to the memory of all the martyrs and freedom fighters. It is because of the sacrifices of these great souls that Goa today stands tall as a prosperous welfare State".
“Let us continue to work towards the betterment and for making Goa a model State. Let us join hands together and strive to protect the hard earned freedom and rededicate ourselves to achieve greater progress and maintain rich traditions in all spheres of life. On this occasion, I pay my humble tributes to freedom fighters," the Chief Minister said.
The Governor and the Chief Minister will lead the people of Goa in paying floral tributes to the martyrs at the Martyr’s Memorial at Azad Maidan, Panjim at 8.45 am on Saturday.
While, Panchayat Minister Muvin Godinho will preside over the Goa Revolution Day function at Lohia Maidan, Margao at 8.30 am and for Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik will preside over the Goa Revolution Day function at Kranti Maidan, Ponda.