When all states rejoice about Independence, flying kites, and celebrating the National holiday, Goa has a normal day like any other day. 15th August is proudly celebrated across the entire country and commemorated with various ceremonies such as flag hoisting, parades, and cultural events.
The day when our Freedom Fighters finally won their battle of years of struggle and torture, while also losing their loved ones in various wars. While all of us are busy celebrating and paying respect to our heroes, many of us wouldn’t know the reason why Goa never celebrates 15th August.
While most parts of our country were free from any rule and had gained independence mainly from British rule in 1947, Goa was still not free and was under the rule of the Portuguese who had ruled the state for over 450 years.
The Portuguese were there in Goa and were also one of the first colonizers of India and the last to leave to our country.
Having been invaded by the Portuguese in 1510, Goa has witnessed several changes in traditions and trades much more than just its sand and sea. All these years, the people in Goa were subjected to diabolic torture.
From the suppression of the Konkani language, persecution of Hindus and Goan Catholics to the destruction of Hindu temples and prohibitions on Hindu marriage rituals were seen and faced during 1540. A lot has changed in the state since then.
The years went by in distress and struggle, only wanting to be free from any rule. But it was not until 1946 when Goa began to witness the glory and the beginning of the end of Portuguese rule in India.
The beginning of the end of the Portuguese rule started in India on 18 June 1946. When the rest of India was marching towards freedom, activist and political leader Ram Manohar Lohia came to Goa on a visit with writer Dr. Juliao Menezes.
The movement quickly gained prominence among the young leaders and fighters of Goa, and Prabhakar Vitthal Sinari, along with his relatives, formed Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD). The revolutionary outfit to fight the Portuguese in Goa then joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Finally, the struggle for freedom in Goa began in 1946 and went on for almost 15 years. This struggle ended on 19th December 1961 when Goa state gained independence from the long-lasting Portuguese rule.
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