Goa freedom fighters seek lessons on Liberation movement in schools

NT Reporter

Margao

Marking the 80th anniversary of Goa Revolution Day or Kranti Din, the Goa Freedom Fighters’ Association (GFFA) on Thursday renewed its demand for the history of Goa’s liberation struggle to be formally taught in schools, during a commemorative programme at the historic Aguad fort complex in Sinquerim, that served as a port and prison during the Portuguese era.

Goa Revolution Day commemorates the historic call for resistance against Portuguese colonial rule made by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia at Margao in 1946.

“The Goan revolution of 1946 was not merely a moment in history, it was a turning point that lit the torch of liberation. The sacrifices made by our freedom fighters, many of whom were imprisoned within these very walls, must not remain confined to books or ceremonies,” said GFFA president Rohidas Naik Dessai, while urging the government and educational institutions to ensure that the story of the Goan revolution and the struggles of the freedom fighters are taught in schools.

Every child in Goa must grow up knowing the
price of the freedom they enjoy today, he said,
after garlanding the statue of Dr Ram Manohar
Lohia and paying homage to Dr T B Cunha, and the freedom fighters.

The programme brought together veteran freedom fighters, their families,
students and members of the public at the heritage complex that once served
as a prison for many freedom fighters.

Among those visiting the complex were 112 students accompanied by six teachers from Dr K B Hedgewar School, Bambolim, and
115 students with nine teachers from Shri Shanta Vidyalaya, Sodiem.