Goa Revolution Day is celebrated every year on 18 June.
The Mughals ruled India for 331 years, the British for about two hundred years, but the Portuguese ruled Goa for about 450 years. It was in this Goa that the trumpet of independence was blown by socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, which was remembered as Goa Revolution Day. Dr. Lohia addressed the people of Goa on 18 June 1946. Incited them towards independence. The police pointed their pistol at them, yet they did not stop. Come, on the pretext of this special day, let us know the complete story of Goa Revolution Day. We will also know why the Portuguese police could not stop Dr. Lohia?
Goa Revolution Day is celebrated every year on 18 June. Even though Goa became independent in the year 1961, June 18 is considered the beginning of Goa’s freedom struggle. On this day in the year 1946, a small gathering of Dr. Lohia had created a big history. People also call it Kranti Diwas or Revolution Day.
Portuguese rule over Goa
Goa was under the control of Portugal for more than 450 years. India had become independent. Yet Goa was still under Portugal. People were ruled strictly. There was a ban on public meetings. It was difficult to even talk about independence in Goa. The Portuguese rulers took it differently and used strictness on common Indians.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.
Who were Dr. Lohia and Dr. Meneses?
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia was a great socialist leader of India. He was involved in the freedom struggle along with Mahatma Gandhi. He was a supporter of Satyagraha and mass movements. He was involved in the fight for India’s independence, in this sequence he reached Goa in the year 1946. And the trumpet of independence sounded there too. Dr. Juliao Meneses was a resident of Goa. He was a doctor and an old friend of Lohia. He was working for independence in Goa. It was he who called Lohia to Goa.
Why did ailing Lohia go to Goa?
Lohia was ill in June 1946. Meneses called him to Goa for rest. Both of them reached Asolna on 10th June. When the news spread, many freedom fighters came to meet him. They made a plan together. Lohia and Meneses decided that they would break the Portuguese embargo. They will talk openly to people. From 15 to 17 June he held meetings in Panaji and Morgao.
A big meeting was announced in Murgaon on 18th June. The Portuguese police made preparations in advance. All the taxis were called to the police station. The field was surrounded. Still some people kept waiting. Lohia and Meneses arrived in a horse-drawn carriage. People were raising slogans. Three people garlanded him. The crowd started increasing.
The voice of independence was raised against the Portuguese in Goa.
Then the police pointed their pistol
Seeing all this, police officer Captain Fortunato Miranda became enraged and pointed his pistol at Lohia. Threatened not to proceed further. Lohia removed him peacefully. He stepped forward and started speaking. Miranda again showed the pistol. Lohia said – This gun cannot scare me. The meeting started. Lohia told the people – Goa is a part of India. Governing Portugal is a nightmare. This will end. The crowd increased to 600-700 people. At some places in history, there is mention of the initial gathering of 200 people.
Dr. Lohia was caught again
Police caught Lohia and Meneses. He was taken to the police station. The police chased away the crowd by lathicharge. After receiving information about the arrest, people gathered outside the police station. They started demanding the release of both of them. The police allowed Lohia to speak outside. Lohia gave the message again. Gomantak is a part of India. We will achieve freedom. After this both were taken to Panaji. Lohia was left at the border.
This is how the impact of this incident happened
This incident that happened with Dr. Lohia spread all over India. Mahatma Gandhi wrote a letter to the Portuguese Governor. He said that Goa cannot remain separate in independent India. Amazing enthusiasm was seen among the people after this incident. More than one and a half thousand arrests were made. Passion increased among people, which was a good sign. Many youth of Goa were inspired by this incident. Satyagraha and protests increased. In this way this day became the lamp of Goa liberation movement.
independence for goa Found on 19 December 1961, when the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay. Photo: Pexels
When did Goa actually become independent?
Goa Revolution Day laid the foundation of the independence movement, but real independence came in the year 1961. On 19 December 1961, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay. The Portuguese army laid down its arms. Goa, Daman and Diu joined India. But only June 18 is celebrated as Goa Liberation Day.
With independence, Goa became a Union Territory in the year 1961. Then in 1987 it got the status of a full state. Today Goa is a beautiful state of India.
The ground in Murgaon where this public meeting was held is now called Lohia Maidan. Lohia’s statue is installed there. People go there every year on 18th June. This incident teaches that one should not succumb to fear. The courage of one person can awaken an entire crowd. Satyagraha and peaceful protest are powerful. Many people sacrificed for the independence of Goa.
Why is Goa Revolution Day important?
This day reminds us. Our independence was not easy. The people of Goa also fought. It is our duty to remember their struggle. That meeting of 18 June 1946 was small, but it changed history. Despite pointing the pistol, Lohia did not stop. His courage inspired the people of Goa. Goa finally became independent in 1961. Goa Revolution Day reminds us that with courage and unity any chain can be broken.
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