The Indian Navy recently held a seminar marking the Diamond Jubilee (50 years) of Goa’s liberation. Every year on 19th December, Goa Liberation Day is celebrated, signifying the day when the Indian armed forces emancipated Goa in 1961 from 450 years of Portuguese dominance.
A Historical Overview: The Portuguese Colonization
The Portuguese rule began in India in 1510 with the colonization of several parts. However, by the end of the 19th-century, their territories in India reduced to Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, and Anjediva Island (a part of Goa). Despite India’s independence on 15th August 1947 and subsequent requests to the Portuguese to cede their territories, they refused.
The Goa Liberation Movement: A Journey from Revolt to Victory
The Goa liberation movement sparked off with small-scale revolts but reached its zenith between 1940 to 1960. Post the failure of diplomatic efforts with the Portuguese in 1961, the Indian Government launched Operation Vijay. As a result, Daman and Diu and Goa were annexed with the Indian mainland on 19th December.
Formation of Goa as a separate state
On 30th May 1987, Goa was formed after splitting the territory. Daman and Diu continued as a Union Territory. Henceforth, Goa celebrates 30th May as its Statehood Day.
Geographical Peculiarities of Goa
Goa, located on the southwestern coast of India, lies within the Konkan region. It is geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. With Maharashtra to its north and Karnataka to the east and south, the Arabian Sea forms Goa’s western coast. The highest point in Goa is Sonsogor. Seven major rivers flow through the state, namely, Zuari, Mandovi (also called Mhadei), Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona, and Sal. Much of Goa’s soil cover consists of laterites.
Cultural Aspects: Language and Capital
Panji serves as the capital city of Goa. The official language of this coastal state is Konkani, which is one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule. The 71st Amendment Act of 1992 added Konkani to this list along with Manipuri and Nepali.
Flora and Fauna: Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks
Goa is home to various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. These include Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, and Mollem National Park.
The Indian Navy’s recent seminar reinvigorated the memories of Goa’s liberation, bringing back to focus its historical, geographical, and cultural nuances. It served as a timely reminder of the significant turning points in Goa’s history that have shaped it into the vibrant state it is today.
