New Delhi: Goa is known for its beaches and major tourist attractions. Tourism in this state has always been at its peak. People from not only India but also from around the world visit the state throughout the year. Every state in India has its history, and so does the state of Goa.
Goa’s revolution is one of the most defining events in the state’s history. So, every June 18, Goa Revolution Day is observed. But why is it observed? What is the history of this day? Let us find out through this article.
Goa Revolution Day: A Glimpse into the Past
Goa Revolution Day, also known as Kranti Din, is observed annually on June 18. This date marks the events of June 18, 1946, which sparked the Goa liberation movement. Indian socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia and Goan freedom fighter Juliao Menezes led the movement.
In the 1940s, the Goa liberation movement gained momentum, inspired by India’s fight for independence from British rule.
After a long imprisonment, Ram Manohar Lohia met his friend Juliao Menezes in Bombay in April 1946 for a medical check-up. Menezes invited Lohia to rest at his home in Assolna, Goa.
Lohia’s Arrival and Planning of the Revolt
Lohia and Menezes arrived in Assolna on June 10, 1946. A newspaper article about Lohia’s arrival prompted many local freedom fighters, including Purushottam Kakodkar, to visit Menezes’ house.
They began planning a civil disobedience movement. Between June 15 and 17, they spoke to people in Panjim and Mormugao, informing them they would defy a ban on public meetings and gather in Margao on June 18. They returned to Margao on June 17 and met other nationalists at Damodar Vidyalaya. Fearing police action, they chose to stay at the Hotel Republica in Margao.
Defiance in Margao: What Happened on June 18?
On June 18, 1946, the police instructed all taxis in the Salcete taluka, which includes Margao, to report to the Margao Police Station with their passengers. They also surrounded the meeting area in Margao. Despite this, some hopeful people waited at the venue.
Lohia and Menezes arrived by horse-drawn carriage and were met by a large crowd chanting slogans. Three people greeted them with garlands. Capitao Fortunato Miranda, either the local police chief or the taluka administrator, threatened Lohia with a revolver. Lohia calmly pushed him aside and began to speak to the crowd. Around 600 to 700 people had gathered.
Miranda threatened Lohia again with the gun. Lohia confidently told him that he was not afraid. Miranda then ordered the police to physically remove Lohia and Menezes and take them to the police station. The police then charged the crowd with batons to break it up.
However, the crowd quickly regrouped outside the police station, demanding the release of Lohia and Menezes. Realising they were losing control of the situation, the police allowed Lohia to speak to the crowd outside the station.
Lohia and Menezes were taken to the Panjim police station. Lohia was sent by train to the border and dropped off at Castle Rock, while Menezes was released the next day. The location of the gathering in Margao is now known as Lohia Maidan, and June 18 is celebrated as Goa Revolution Day.
After Lohia’s arrest, news spread across India. Mahatma Gandhi wrote to the Portuguese Governor-General, stating that Goa should not exist as a separate entity that opposed India’s laws and regulations.
After this incident, Menezes and Lohia continued their efforts for freedom. Although this event was seen as a failure, it led to over 1,500 arrests and motivated Goans to persist in their fight, eventually resulting in Goa’s liberation in 1961. Freedom fighter and politician George Vaz described June 18 as a “big Light House that guided many ships”, meaning Lohia inspired many freedom fighters in Goa.
Honouring the Heroes of Goa Revolution Day
To honour freedom fighters, the Government of Goa holds various cultural programs every year on this day. People also pay tribute to the statue of Lohia at Lohia Maidan.
Goa Revolution Day commemorates the civil disobedience movement led by Ram Manohar Lohia and Juliao Menezes. It marks the beginning of Goa’s fight against Portuguese rule. To honour the bravery and sacrifices of its freedom fighters, Goa holds tributes and cultural programmes every year on this significant day. Events Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
