Defenders of Goa: Understanding Goa’s heroes through ‘Trial Files of Freedom Fighters’

The trial files of Goan freedom fighters are significant historical documents that shed light on the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for Goa’s liberation from foreign rule. These trial files are crucial for understanding the legal battles fought by freedom fighters and how they used the courts to challenge colonial authority. They also provide a window into the social and political climate of the time, illustrating the broader struggle for justice and rights.

Published on:

27 Sep 2024, 5:38 am

The book release program on ‘Trial Files of Freedom Fighters', held at the Art Gallery, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto Panjim, on 26th September 2024 at 5:00 pm was graced by the presence of IAS Secretary Gazetteer, Shri Prasad Lolayekar and chief guest Dr Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa and Minister for Gazetteer.

A special Exhibition of 20 Portraits of Freedom Fighters of Goa painted by the Students of Goa College of Art was also opened for public viewing. The portraits have been painted using oil or acrylic paints on canvas and within a very short time span of just three days. ‘Honoring our freedom fighters is a meaningful way to remember their sacrifices and contributions’, said Anthony Olivera from Margão, who attended the function. As part of the function, books were presented to family members of freedom fighters namely late Alfred Afonso, late Anthony De Souza, late Vilasini Prabhu Mahale and late Shridhar Sirsat. Books were also presented to Shri Sandesh Prabhudessai on behalf of GDD Freedom Fighters Association and to Shri Avinash Shirodkar, on behalf of 18^th June Samiti-Margão

Understanding the trials of freedom fighters is essential for several reasons. Their struggles provide insight into the socio-political landscape of their times. Examining their sacrifices helps us grasp the complexities of colonialism, oppression, and the quest for autonomy. They often faced immense personal hardships—imprisonment, exile, and violence. Acknowledging their trials highlights the human capacity for resilience and the lengths individuals will go to secure justice. ‘The stories from the book ‘Trial Files of Freedom Fighters’ will surely inspire the current and future generations to advocate for justice and equality. Understanding their challenges can motivate individuals to continue the fight against contemporary injustices’, said Anthony.

The Department of Goa Gazetteer and Historical Records, has published the Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa Daman and Diu, in two parts (First Edition in 1979), two volumes of “Who’s Who of Freedom Fighters” and “Trials of Freedom Fighters”. The trials have been translated into English from the Portuguese files preserved in the Archives of Goa and published in the form of a book.