Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar declared that the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961 represented a defining moment for patriotism and nationalism across India. He made these remarks while presiding over the Goa Liberation Day ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.
A Tribute to Unsung Heroes
During the event, Governor Arlekar took a significant step to honor the past by felicitating 24 families from Kerala whose members actively participated in the historic liberation movement. He emphasized that the integration of Goa was a crucial chapter in completing India's independence, which was achieved in 1947.
The Governor pointed out a notable historical detail: it took nearly 14 years after India's independence for Goa to be formally merged into the Indian Union. He echoed the sentiments of the late Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, stating that the nation's freedom remained unfinished until Goa became an integral part of India.
The Power of Collective National Will
Arlekar highlighted the pan-Indian nature of the struggle for Goa. He noted that people from every corner of the country, transcending regional, linguistic, and community barriers, united for the cause. This widespread public sentiment and collective aspiration, he argued, built immense pressure on the central government of the time.
It was this unified national will that ultimately paved the way for Operation Vijay and the successful liberation of the territory in December 1961.
Transmitting Values to Future Generations
Explaining the purpose of the felicitation ceremony, Governor Arlekar stated that honoring these freedom fighters was a way of respectfully acknowledging the immense contributions of great patriots. More importantly, he framed it as a vital act of cultural transmission.
"We are transmitting the cultural underpinnings of the freedom movement to percolate into every layer of society," he said. The Governor added that such recognitions serve the dual purpose of inspiring future generations about the enduring values of national unity and integration, ensuring the sacrifices of the past are not forgotten.
