Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Governor Mridula Sinha and the leader of opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar extended their greetings to the locals on Monday on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day.
"The day marks the beginning of a revolution that strengthened and gave a definitive direction to Goa's Freedom Movement. The Goa Revolution Day is also an appropriate occasion to remember the supreme sacrifices of known and unknown freedom fighters who shed their blood for the freedom of Goa from colonial rule," Sawant said.
The BJP Union Minister further added, "Let us join hands together on this day and strive hard to protect the hard-earned freedom and rededicate ourselves to achieve greater progress and prosperity by the state in all spheres of life."
Mridula Sinha, who is currently serving as the Governor of Goa also acknowledged the occasion and remembered the slain jawans.
"The Goa Revolution, which is being commemorated annually on 18th June, has special significance for Goans as it was on this day in the year 1946 the Goans staged an open but peaceful revolt against the atrocities perpetrated on them by the Portuguese colonial regime," the governor said.
She further added, "Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, protested against the oppressive Portuguese rule and to assert their right to liberty and freedom. This open challenge to the colonial regime marked the crucial last phase of Goa Liberation Movement, which eventually led this part of the Country being united with the motherland. On this occasion, I pay my humble homage to the jawans and tributes to freedom fighters."
Nonetheless, the Leader of Opposition, Chandrakant Kavlekar also paid homage to the freedom fighters and wished for a peaceful future ahead in his message.
"It is a day, therefore, celebrated to remember and pay homage to the sacred memories of revered martyrs who laid their life for the liberation of Goa, a state of the democratic republic of India with all powers and rights extended to the people of India to elect and select the Governance of their choice within the rules and guidance of the constitution of India," Kavlekar said.
( With inputs from ANI )