President Droupadi Murmu tweeted her greetings to the nation on December 19, marking Goa Liberation Day.

Goa Liberation Day 

The day is celebrated annually to mark the success of ‘Operation Vijay’ undertaken by the Indian armed forces to defeat Portuguese colonial forces and liberate Goa in 1961.

Goa Liberation Day 

“On Goa Liberation Day, I convey my greetings to all fellow citizens, especially the people of Goa. 

Goa Liberation Day 

We pay homage to the freedom fighters who fought for liberation of Goa from colonial rule. 

Goa Liberation Day 

We salute our armed forces for their valour. My best wishes to the people of the state,” Murmu tweeted.

Goa Liberation Day 

What is the history of Goa’s colonisation by European powers?

Goa Liberation Day 

The Portuguese colonial presence in Goa began in 1510, when Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the ruling Bijapur king with the help of a local ally, Timayya, 

Goa Liberation Day 

and subsequently established a permanent settlement in Velha Goa (or Old Goa).

Goa Liberation Day 

Over the following centuries, the Portuguese fought frequent battles with the Marathas and the Deccan sultanates. During the Napoleonic Wars, 

Goa Liberation Day 

Goa was briefly occupied by the British between 1812 and 1815. In 1843, the capital was moved to Panjim from Velha Goa.

Goa Liberation Day