Freedom Fighters Pay Tribute to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on Goa Revolution Day at Aguad

On the occasion of Goa Revolution Day (June 18), freedom fighters and families of freedom fighters, who valiantly fought for the independence of the former Portuguese colony, gathered at Aguad (housed in Aguada Jail) to pay homage to their departed compatriots.


In a solemn ceremony on June 18, Prabhakar Naik, the freedom fighter and the families of the deceased namely Daulot Rao Rane, Darshat Naik, Dhiraj Pednekar, Ajeet Narvekar offered floral tributes to the statue of the freedom fighter late Dr Ram Manohar Lohia. A customary lamp was lit as a symbol of remembrance for the courageous souls who were imprisoned at the fort during Portuguese rule during this poignant ceremony held at Aguad.


According to veteran freedom fighter Prabhakar Naik, the fire of revolution in Goa was first sparked in Margao, which later spread to Panaji. He also recounted memories of his associates, Atmaram Mayekar, (Bala) Mapari from Asnodkar. Vasant Chodankar and Babu Mulgaonkar and also recalled his arrest by the Portuguese for organising distribution of pamphlets. "My colleague Keshav Bhuskute (freedom fighter) was given responsibility for distributing pamphlets in the Bicholim area. He was captured and tortured by the Portuguese troops to reveal names of other freedom fighters. He had revealed my name under duress. They reached my house at 2:30 am, but I was not at home. They finally caught me at my aunt's house the same night" Naik said.


"It is our utmost privilege to extend a warm welcome to the freedom fighters who have fought for Goa's independence and to honour the memory of their fallen comrades who endured tremendous hardships under the colonial rule," said Naveen Chopra, Group CEO, Waterfront Experiences Pvt Ltd.


June 18 is recognised as Goa Revolution Day on account of the clarion call given by Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on the day in 1946 to the people of Goa to unite and fight against the colonial regime. Aguad, a historical site dating back to 1626, was once a fort and prison complex, has now been transformed into a cultural hub that tells the distinctive tale of Goa's past.