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In 2024, at the age of 100, Libia Lobo Sardesai was awarded the Padma Shri for her pivotal role in Goa’s liberation struggle from Portuguese colonial rule.

About Libia Lobo Sardesai

• Born: 25 May 1924, in Portuguese-ruled Goa; raised in Mumbai.
• Profession: Freedom fighter, broadcaster, and Goa’s first Director of Tourism post-liberation.
• Legacy: Symbol of courage and resistance, known as the “voice of Goa’s liberation.”

Role in Goa’s Liberation Movement

• Involvement: Joined the Goan nationalist movement during her college years.
• Underground Radio:
  • From 1955 to 1961, Libia, along with her husband Vaman Sardesai and Nicolau Menezes, ran an underground radio station – initially called ‘Q’, later named:
    • Goenche Sodvonecho Awaz (Voice of Freedom of Goa) – Konkani
    • Voz de Liberdade – Portuguese
  • Operated from Amboli (Maharashtra) and Castle Rock (Karnataka) in the Western Ghats.
  • Purpose: Counter Portuguese censorship and propaganda; broadcast news, updates, and morale-boosting messages to Goans.
• Final Broadcast:
  • On 19 December 1961, Libia flew over Panaji in an IAF plane, announcing Goa’s liberation with the message:

“Rejoice brothers and sisters, Rejoice! Today, after 451 years of alien rule, Goa is free and united with the Motherland.”

Goa Liberation Movement: Background

• Colonial Rule: Goa was under Portuguese rule for over 451 years (from 1510 to 1961).
• Key Phases:
  • 1954: India imposed an economic blockade after Portuguese crackdown on satyagrahis.
  • August 1955: Mass satyagraha met with violent repression by Portuguese forces.
  • Censorship: Portuguese regime enforced total censorship; only official Portuguese narratives were allowed.
  • 1961 – Operation Vijay:
    • Initiated on 17 December 1961 by the Indian Army under Lt. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri.
    • Portuguese forces surrendered by 19 December 1961, marking Goa’s official liberation.

Notable Leaders of the Movement

• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia: Sparked initial resistance against Portuguese rule.
• Libia Lobo Sardesai: Voice of the resistance via underground broadcasting.
• Lt. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri: Led military operations during Operation Vijay.

Significance

• Libia Lobo Sardesai represents the unsung contributions of civil resistance and communication warfare in India’s decolonization.
• Her work sustained nationalist morale, informed citizens under censorship, and shaped the narrative of a liberated Goa.