Goa Liberation Day: India's Triumph Over Colonial Chains in 1961

19 Dec (VNI) : December 19 is the day India looks back and celebrates Goa Liberation Day, a game-changer in our history that kicked European colonialism to the curb. It's all about 'Operation Vijay,' a power move by the Indian Armed Forces in 1961, throwing shade at Portuguese colonial forces.

Goa weathered centuries of Portuguese rule until Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru said, "Enough is enough." 'Operation Vijay' kicked off on December 18, 1961, as our Armed Forces strategically swooped in to free Goa from colonial control and get it back into the Indian groove.

A standout moment during this mission? The Indian Armed Forces showing the Portuguese warship NRP Afonso de Albuquerque, named after some hotshot 16th-century Portuguese navigator, who's boss. This move showcased our Armed Forces' grit and resilience, proving that we weren't backing down against colonial drama.

Come Goa Liberation Day, President Droupadi Murmu sends out a shoutout, especially to the folks in Goa. In a tweet, she tips her hat to the freedom fighters who rocked the house, breaking free from colonial shackles. Big props to the Armed Forces for holding it down, and she throws in a reminder about the power of teamwork in gaining independence.

Now, Goa's got this cool cultural mix, with Konkani as the main language, but also rolling with Marathi, Hindi, English, Kannada, Urdu, and Gujarati. It's like a linguistic party that shows how different communities can vibe together in post-liberation Goa.

After the successful liberation, Goa got a taste of Union Territory life before upgrading to full statehood on May 30, 1987. This upgrade marked Goa officially joining the Indian Union as State #25, waving goodbye to those old-school colonial administrative vibes and saying hello to a fresh chapter in Goa's history.

Goa Liberation Day isn't just a date on the calendar; it's proof that Indians don't back down. It's our way of saying, "Take that, colonial oppression!" As we celebrate, it's a chance to think about the kickass freedom fighters, the Armed Forces holding it down, and the cultural groove defining today's Goa. 'Operation Vijay' wasn't just about freeing a spot on the map; it was India saying, "We decide our own destiny," and ditching those colonial leftovers.