Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday inaugurated the redeveloped Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi in Goa, paying tribute to the satyagrahis who laid down their lives during the struggle to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Y. Naik were present at the inauguration.
Singh described the Goa liberation movement as a manifestation of India’s national consciousness and unity, rather than merely a regional struggle. He paid tribute to several satyagrahis, including Karnail Singh of Punjab, Sahodra Devi of Madhya Pradesh and Madhukar Damodar Chaudhary of Maharashtra.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister said the events at Patradevi demonstrated the courage with which Indians stood up for their rights through peaceful means. He added that when the territorial integrity of a sovereign nation is threatened and peaceful efforts reach their limit, the nation has the right to exercise its full strength.
He recalled the role of the armed forces in the liberation of Goa during Operation Vijay in 1961, saying the professionalism, courage and discipline displayed by the forces had set an example for militaries around the world.
Drawing a link between the liberation of Goa and present-day national security, Singh said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the capability of India’s armed forces to give a befitting response to threats against the country.
He said the armed forces today are equipped with advanced platforms and capabilities, including warships, fighter aircraft, advanced radar systems, network-centric warfare capabilities and long-range air power. The three services are also moving towards greater jointness and integration, he said.
Highlighting the growth of India’s defence industrial base, Singh said defence exports had risen from around Rs 600 crore before 2014 to more than Rs 38,000 crore, while defence production had increased from about Rs 40,000 crore to a record Rs 1.81 lakh crore.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the growing participation of women in national security and other strategic sectors, noting that women are now flying fighter aircraft, holding leadership positions in the armed forces, contributing to space missions and driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
Singh urged the younger generation to preserve the legacy of the Goa liberation struggle and understand the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters.
“The youth must visit this memorial when they travel to Goa and understand the price at which our nation’s integrity was secured,” he said, adding that a generation aware of its history could guide the country’s future in the right direction.
The redevelopment of the Hutatma Smruti Smarak was undertaken by the Goa government through the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation at a cost of around Rs 9.50 crore.
The redeveloped memorial features a redesigned central monument, sculptural installations, information hubs and murals depicting the history of Goa’s liberation struggle. It is intended to serve as an educational and commemorative space, particularly for younger visitors.
Patradevi holds a significant place in the liberation movement. On August 15, 1955, thousands of volunteers from across India participated in a peaceful satyagraha in Goa. The first group of satyagrahis entered Goa through Patradevi carrying Indian flags and came under Portuguese machine-gun fire. Several satyagrahis were killed at Patradevi, while others lost their lives at different locations during the movement.
The inauguration was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, Goa Daman and Diu Freedom Fighters’ Association president Rohidas Desai, senior government officials and families of the satyagrahis.
