Statehood Day of Goa

India got independence on August 15, 1947.  India requested the Portugese to cede their territories. However, Portuguese refused. In 1961, Indian Government launched Operation Vijay and annexed Daman and Diu, islands and Goa with the Indian mainland.

On May 30, 1987, the territory was split and Goa was formed. Daman and Diu remained the Union Territory. Konkani is the official language of the state.

As Goa was formed controversies emerged that Goa should be merged with Maharashtra or Mysore. However, in 1967 a opinion poll was conducted and was concluded that Goa will remain as state and Daman and Diu shall remain as union territory.

Goa attracted monks and missionaries that left great impression in the culture of Goa. Apart from this, Goa was a part of Vijayanagar Empire in 1370 and later was a part of Bijapur Sultanate as well.

The Portuguese conquered Goa in 1510 under the leadership of Afonso de Albuquerque. As they conquered Goa, they took control of the spice trade.

On May 30, 1987, Goa ceased to be a Union Territory and became the twenty fifth State of the Union of India. On May 30 we celebrate the Goa Statehood Day. Goa was liberated from the colonial rule in December 1961.