Goa - a brief history

A common village scene

Goa was under colonial rule for 450 years. It was liberated from the Portuguese in 1961 after which it came under democratic rule. The first Sacretariat was housed at the Adil Shah Palace in Panjim, the capital of Goa for the Legislative Assembly to function.

However, trouble began to brew up in the early sixties due to political interest to decide if Goa should be merged with the neighboring state of Maharastra or if it should remain a separate State to preserve its identity, language, culture and traditions.

Dr. Jack de Sequeira, a true son of the soil, wanted to preserve Goa for future generations. He guided the Goans to fight against the merger. An Opinion Poll was held on January 16, 1967 to decide the wishes of the Goans. It turned out to be a historic event with the referendum deciding that Goa was to remain a separate State with its unique identity, Konkani Language, traditions and customs. The people of Goa observed the 46th year of the Opinion Poll by remembering Dr. Jack de Sequeira at two separate functions held at Calangute and Dona Paula where his memorials are raised to respect him and pay gratitude for the gift of Goa to Goans today and forever.