PANJIM: Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant have extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa on the occasion of Goa Liberation Day.
In his message the Governor said, “On this glorious day in 1961, the last Portuguese Governor General surrendered to the victorious Indian Armed Forces paving the way for freedom of Goa from the shackles of Portuguese Rule. This day this year is also memorable as Goa completes the milestone of 61years of liberation.
I feel proud to join this historic occasion of celebrating the momentous day of Goa’s liberation. On this landmark day, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa.”
The Governor said, “The journey to freedom was long and arduous. Freedom Fighters from Goa and from other parts of India underwent numerous sufferings and sacrifices in their struggle for emancipation. It is only appropriate that on this historic day, we salute the brave and valiant soldiers as well as the spirited and selfless freedom fighters. Let us also pay homage to all those great souls who laid down their valuable life for the freedom of Goa. I would like to quote Kavi Bakibab Borkar who said “Tethe kar majhe julati’ meaning my hands fold in deep reverence to all those who sacrificed for their motherland.
In his message, CM Sawant expressed his gratitude to the stalwarts of Goa’s liberation, saying, “Our freedom fighters fought hard and sacrificed their lives to allow future generations to live in peace and dignity. Today, we remember the contributions of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives during the long-lasting freedom struggle. December 19, 1961, is a historic and remarkable day indeed.”
The CM further said, “We should also recognise the efforts of the post-liberation leaders who worked tirelessly to build our State. Goa has made remarkable progress in the infrastructure, education, health, public welfare, skill development and other sectors. As we commemorate liberation day, let us work towards the progress of the State through the government's initiatives of ‘Áatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Swayampurna Goa’ and continue our efforts to scale to greater heights.”