Who is Libia Lobo Sardesai?

January 28, 2025

Libia Lobo Sardesai, a prominent figure in the Goan liberation movement, was recently honoured with the Padma Shri (4th highest civilian award). This recognition celebrates her contributions to Goa’s fight for freedom from Portuguese colonial rule. Born in 1924, Libia played important role in the anti-colonial struggle, particularly through the establishment of an underground radio station.

Early Life

Libia was born in Portuguese-ruled Goa.
She spent her formative years in Bombay, now Mumbai.
During her college days, she became actively involved in the Goan nationalist movement.
The Portuguese government’s oppressive policies, including the arrest of peaceful protestors in 1954, intensified her commitment to the cause.

The Underground Radio Station

In response to severe censorship imposed by Portuguese authorities, Libia and her husband, Vaman Sardesai, established an underground radio station. This station, initially named ‘Q’, later became known as ‘Goenche Sodvonecho Awaz’ and ‘Voz de Liberdade’. It broadcasted crucial information about the liberation struggle, countering Portuguese propaganda.

Operations in Secrecy

The radio station operated from dense forests in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Libia, Vaman, and fellow nationalists worked tirelessly, often for 18 hours a day. They gathered news from various sources and prepared broadcasts that inspired and informed the Goan populace. Their isolated existence in the jungle was fraught with danger from wildlife and the threat of discovery.

The Final Days Before Liberation

As the liberation movement intensified, Libia and Vaman were taken to a rest-house in Belgaum just days before Operation Vijay. On December 17, 1961, they relayed a critical message from the Indian Defence Minister to the Portuguese Governor General, warning of impending military action.

Goa’s Liberation Announcement

On December 19, 1961, Libia made history by announcing Goa’s liberation from an Indian Air Force plane. Equipped with a radio transmitter and loudspeaker, she declared, “Today, after 451 years of alien rule, Goa is free.” This moment marked turning point in Goa’s history, symbolising the end of colonial oppression.

Timeline of Goa’s Integration

Diplomatic Relations with Portugal:

India and Portugal had friendly ties in 1947 post-Independence, establishing diplomatic relations in 1949.
Tensions began in 1950 when Portugal refused to relinquish Goa, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Portugal’s Claim on Goa:

In 1951, Portugal changed its constitution, declaring Goa an “overseas province” instead of a colony.
This move was aimed at invoking NATO’s collective security clause in case of an Indian attack.

Deteriorating Relations:

Diplomatic relations were severed in 1955 after failed negotiations over Portuguese enclaves in India.
In 1961, India launched Operation Vijay, annexing Goa, Daman, and Diu on 19th December 1961, ending 451 years of Portuguese rule.

Integration of Other Territories:

Dadra and Nagar Haveli: Integrated in 1961 after Indian nationalists captured it in 1954.
Daman and Diu: Integrated alongside Goa in 1961.

History of Goa’s Freedom Movement

Colonial Era

Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510 under Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque after defeating Bijapur’s Yusuf Adil Shah.

Nationalist Movement

Inspired by India’s freedom struggle, Goan nationalism grew in the early 20th century.
Tristão de Bragança Cunha, the “Father of Goan Nationalism,” founded the Goa National Congress in 1928.
In 1946, Ram Manohar Lohia led a significant rally advocating for civil liberties and freedom, marking a turning point in Goa’s freedom movement.

Divergent Strategies

Peaceful approaches like Satyagraha emphasized non-violence and truth in the struggle for freedom.
Groups like the Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD) advocated for armed struggle.
Internal differences between these strategies delayed liberation.

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