NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute to fallen martyrs and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in order to free Goa on the occasion of Goa liberation day. 

He joined the nation in saluting the brave personnel of the armed forces as well as a freedom fighter who fought against the colonial rulers. 

Goa Liberation Day is observed on December 19 annually in commemoration of the Indian armed forces freeing Goa from the Portuguese.

Goa was a Portuguese colony and though India got Independence in 1947, Goa took 14 more years to gain autonomy. 

Indian armed personnel managed to remove Goa from the Portuguese, ending around 450 years of colonial rule, on December 19th, 1961.

On Goa Liberation Day, the nation pays homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters who fought to liberate Goa from colonial rule. We also salute the exemplary courage & valour of our armed forces. I will forever cherish the memories of Goa@60 celebrations I attended last year. pic.twitter.com/XXw3Xl11jI

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 19, 2021