On 19th December in 1961, Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule, hence, bringing 'Operation Vijay' to a successful end.While India attained independence from the British rule in 1947, Goa was still languishing Portuguese rule for over 450 years. Among the traders, Portuguese were the first to colonise or capture India, and the last to leave the country.Having been invaded by the Portuguese in 1510, Goa witnessed several changes and trades much more than just its sand and sea. Also, for over four centuries, 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.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.After getting to know about the plight of Goans, Lohia launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in the state, but later arrested. After much long struggle and wait, Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule on 19 December, 1961. Along with journalists, satyagrahis, armed guerrillas, even legendary film artists took part in Goa's independence.Even popular singer Lata Mangeshkar performed at a concert in Pune during that time to help raise money to purchase arms to free Goa, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli from the Portuguese.This day also marks the day India was completely free from European rule.Image courtesy: Instagram / Kshitij Choudhary
