Goa Liberation Day | 20 Dec 2025

Source: PIB 

Union Home Minister extended wishes on Goa Liberation Day (19th December) and paid tributes to prominent figures like Prabhakar Vaidya, Bala Raya Mapari, Nanaji Deshmukh Ji, and Jagannath Rao Joshi Ji, associated with the Goa liberation movement. 

Goa Liberation Movement 

• Portuguese Rule (1510–1961): Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510 after Afonso de Albuquerque defeated Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur, leading to 451 years of colonial rule. 
• Early Nationalism: Anti-colonial sentiment in Goa rose in sync with India's independence movement, with key milestones like the founding of the Goa National Congress (1928) by Tristão de Bragança Cunha at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress (1928). 
• Strategic Dichotomy: The liberation movement was divided between Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) and the advocacy for armed struggle by groups like the Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD), which delayed unified action. 
  • In 1946, socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia led a historic Goa rally advocating for civil liberties, freedom, and integration with India. 
• Goa Integration with India: After independence, India initially hesitated from forceful action due to a desire to project peace and Portugal's NATO membership. 
  • However, when all diplomatic efforts failed, India launched Operation Vijay ( 1961), annexing Goa, Daman, and Diu on 19th December 1961 and ending Portuguese rule.  
  • In 1974, India and Portugal signed a treaty recognizing India's sovereignty over Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and re-established diplomatic relations. 
• Goa Statehood: Following its annexation, Goa, Daman, and Diu became Union Territories. Goa gained full statehood on 30th May, 1987, becoming India's 25th state.