Goa Liberation

December 19, 2011

A commemorative postage stamp on the Golden Jubilee of the Goa Liberation Movement (Annexation of Goa), a movement sought to end Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, India :

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 19, 2011

Issued for : India Post is happy to issue a Postage Stamp to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Goa Liberation.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : ISP Nashik

About :

The Portuguese advent in India gained momentum in 1510, with the invasion of the Western coast line and annexation of a few colonies including Goa. Though the people of Goa were peace loving they resented Portuguese occupation of their territory and the accompanying reprisal measures. They sought liberation. The first spark of the freedom movement was ignited by the Ranes when Dipaji Rane spearheaded a revolt in 1852. Another one followed in 1885, led by Dada Rane. The last rebellion took place in 1912, and the leaders at the forefront Morya Sawant, Jill Sawant and their companion Cutodio (Quistulo) were killed due to treachery. In all, there were 14 rebellions by Ranes but all of them were crushed. Consequently, activities of the freedom movement were shifted beyond the borders of Goa.
Many organisations like National Congress Goa, Azad Gamantak Dal, United Front of Goans, Goa Liberation Council, Goan People’s Party, Quit Goa Organization and Goa Vimochan Sahayak Samiti were formed. Some believed in armed struggle. They infiltrated into Goa and attacked Portuguese troops and their supply positions.
On 18^th June 1946 people assembled under the leadership of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia to defy the curbs on civil liberties and chart out the future course of action towards freedom and democracy. A seminar on Portuguese colonialism was held in New Delhi in October 1961 in which the leaders from Africa called upon Jawahar Lal Nehru, the then Prime Minister to lead the struggle of liberating Portuguese colonies. At the end of the seminar there was a public meeting in Mumbai during which the Prime Minister declared : “We have to think afresh now because of the happenings in Goa. In the last three months, cases of torture have come to our notice besides terror that is spread there by the Portuguese. We will have to adopt other means to solve the problems. Goa will soon be free“.
The Indian Army, assisted by Air Force and Navy, launched an armed action code named “Operation Vijay” on 18^th December 1961. The liberation of Goa from Portuguese occupation was completed on 19^th December 1961. On 20^th June 1962, the status of Union Territory was conferred upon Goa, Daman and Diu. In the opinion poll that took place during 1967, people of Goa firmly voted to retain their separate identity, rejecting merger with the State of Maharashtra. Finally, on 30^th May 1987, Goa was accorded statehood and Daman and Diu were bifurcated and accorded the status of Union Territory.
Goa is situated along the Konkan coast of India. It has a coastline of 105 km, Six rivers, namely Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Terekhol, Chaporaand, Talpona flow through the State. The climate of Goa is generally pleasant and equitable throughout the year. The beaches of Goa attract tourists from all over the world.
Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.