Goa Liberation Day- A complete Overview

 🇮🇳 Goa Liberation Day – Complete Overview


📅 Date


19 December


🏖️ What is Goa Liberation Day?


Goa Liberation Day marks the day in 1961 when Goa was freed from Portuguese colonial rule and became an integral part of India. It commemorates the successful military action by India known as Operation Vijay.


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🕊️ Historical Background


Goa was under Portuguese rule from 1510 (over 450 years).

Even after India gained independence in 1947, Goa, Daman, and Diu remained Portuguese territories.

Portugal refused to negotiate or recognize Indian sovereignty over Goa.

Peaceful movements and satyagrahas by Goans were met with repression by Portuguese authorities.



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⚔️ Operation Vijay (1961)


Operation Vijay was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on 18 December 1961.

It involved the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The operation lasted around 36 hours.

Portuguese forces surrendered on 19 December 1961.

Goa, Daman, and Diu were liberated with minimal casualties.



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👤 Key Personalities


Jawaharlal Nehru – Prime Minister of India during the liberation.

Major General K. P. Candeth – Led Indian forces during Operation Vijay.

Governor-General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva – Portuguese commander who surrendered.



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🏛️ After Liberation


Goa was declared a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu in 1961.

In 1987, Goa became the 25th state of India.

Konkani was recognized as the official language of Goa.

Goa continues to preserve a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture.



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🎉 How Goa Liberation Day is Celebrated


State-wide public holidays in Goa.

Flag hoisting ceremonies.

Parades and cultural programs.

Tributes to freedom fighters.

Educational events highlighting Goa’s history.



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📚 Importance for Exams


Date: 19 December 1961

Event: Liberation of Goa

Operation Name: Operation Vijay

Colonial Power: Portugal

Indian PM: Jawaharlal Nehru


📌 Frequently asked in SSC, Banking, Railways, State PSC & UPSC exams.


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🧠 One-Line GK Facts


Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on 19 December.

Goa was liberated after 451 years of Portuguese rule.

Operation Vijay ended Portuguese colonialism in India.

Goa became a state in 1987.





19 December: History On This Day – MCQ Quiz

📅 19 December: History On This Day
20 MCQ Practice Quiz

1. Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on which date?

✅ Answer: B — Goa was liberated on 19 December 1961.

2. Goa was liberated from which colonial power?

✅ Answer: D — Goa was under Portuguese rule.

3. The military operation to liberate Goa was called:

✅ Answer: C — Operation Vijay (1961).

4. Who was the Prime Minister of India during the liberation of Goa?

✅ Answer: B — Jawaharlal Nehru.

5. Goa was liberated in which year?

✅ Answer: C — 1961.

6. Goa became a full-fledged state of India in:

✅ Answer: C — 1987.

7. Goa Liberation Day marks the end of how many years of Portuguese rule?

✅ Answer: D — About 450 years.

8. Which Indian Armed Forces participated in Operation Vijay?

✅ Answer: D — All three forces.

9. Who was the Portuguese Governor-General who surrendered Goa?

✅ Answer: B — Vassalo e Silva.

10. Goa Liberation Day is officially observed in which Indian state?

✅ Answer: D — Goa.

11. Which language was later recognized as the official language of Goa?

✅ Answer: C — Konkani.

12. Goa, Daman and Diu became a Union Territory in:

✅ Answer: B — 1961.

13. The liberation of Goa took approximately how long?

✅ Answer: C — About 36 hours.

14. Which Indian general led Operation Vijay?

✅ Answer: B — K. P. Candeth.

15. Goa was annexed by Portugal in:

✅ Answer: B — 1510.

16. 19 December is important in Indian history mainly because of:

✅ Answer: C — Goa Liberation Day.

17. Which year did Portugal finally recognize Goa as part of India?

✅ Answer: C — 1974.

18. Goa Liberation Day is associated with which theme?

✅ Answer: B — Freedom from colonial rule.

19. Which of the following territories was liberated along with Goa?

✅ Answer: C — Daman and Diu.