Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday, inaugurated ‘Hutatma Smruti Smarak’ at Patradevi in North Goa, paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Goa. The memorial at the Goa-Maharashtra border stands as a reminder of the courage, patriotism and unity that marked the struggle against Portuguese rule.
The inauguration was held with a series of ceremonial tributes to the martyrs. Rajnath Singh unveiled the ceremonial plaque, planted a sapling and laid a wreath at the Hutatma Smruti Smarak. A parade paid compliments to the memorial, followed by the Police Band playing the Last Post. The Union Defence Minister also walked through the Smarak, followed by the screening of a short film on the Liberation Movement. The commemorative book Martyrs of Goa, authored by Balaji Shenoy, was also unveiled at the hands of Rajnath Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh congratulated Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and the Government of Goa for creating the memorial. Recalling the sacrifices made by people who came from different parts of India to participate in the struggle, he said the Patradevi Smarak represents the final chapter of India’s freedom struggle. He said those who shed their blood for Goa’s liberation deserve the highest respect and described the memorial as a symbol of India’s unity. He also urged people visiting Goa to visit the Smarak, pay homage to the martyrs and draw inspiration from their sacrifice.
The spirit of that sacrifice was also reflected in the address of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, who welcomed Rajnath Singh and described the occasion as a special day for Goa. Paying homage to the 77 martyrs, he recalled that more than 2,000 satyagrahis had come to Patradevi in the effort to free Goa from Portuguese rule. He said the Smarak would ensure that their sacrifice remains part of the memory of future generations.
Also present on the occasion were Shripad Y. Naik, Union Minister of State for Power; Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); among others.
