What's New

Libia Lobo Sardesai: Voice of Goa’s Freedom

Why in the news?

Goan freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai, 100, was awarded the Padma Shri for her role in Goa’s liberation struggle, including running an underground radio station from 1955 to 1961 to counter Portuguese censorship and spread nationalist messages.

Contribution to Goa’s Liberation:

• Libia Lobo Sardesai, a 100-year-old Goan freedom fighter, was awarded the Padma Shri for her significant role in Goa’s liberation struggle.
• From 1955 to 1961, Libia and Vaman Sardesai (later her husband) ran an underground radio station from the Western Ghats forests.
• The station, initially called Q, was renamed Goenche Sodvonech Awaz (Voice of Freedom of Goa) for Konkani broadcasts and Voz de Liberdade for Portuguese broadcasts.

Challenges During Portuguese Rule

• Born on May 25, 1924, Libia grew up in Portuguese-ruled Goa and became involved in the Goan nationalist movement during college.
• After a violent Portuguese crackdown in 1954, India imposed an economic blockade on Goa.
• Libia described the situation as “total censorship”, where even wedding cards required official approval.
• The underground radio station, initially mounted on a truck in Amboli, Maharashtra, was later moved to Castle Rock, Karnataka, due to security concerns.

Liberation and Historic Broadcast:

• The station relayed anti-Portuguese propaganda, monitored news bulletins, and prepared reports for 18 hours daily.
• Days before Operation Vijay in 1961, Libia and Vaman were moved to Belgaum by Indian authorities.
• On December 19, 1961, Libia and Vaman flew over Panaji in an Indian Air Force plane, announcing Goa’s freedom in Portuguese and Konkani and dropping leaflets.
• Libia recalled the moment as a historic victory after 451 years of colonial rule.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times