Even after the independence on August 15, 1947, Portuguese-controlled territory, Goa, was still not a part of India. That is when a secret radio started which was called the 'Voice of Freedom'. Let's learn about the history of that movement in this story. In the 1940s, thoughts and efforts about the freedom struggle started. The liberation of Dadra Nagar Haveli in 1954 was inspiring and it opened the doors for new ideas and strategies to liberate Goa.
On November 25, 1955, at 7 a.m., a secret radio called 'Voice of Freedom' started from the forests of Amboli, Sindhudurg district of Maharastra. Vaman Sardesai and Libia Lobo jointly started this secret radio service with programs in Portuguese and Konkani languages. Both of them used to attach the transmitter of 'The Voice of Freedom' radio station to a truck and broadcast from the dense forests. They also gave news of anti-colonial movements in Asia and Africa. They also broadcast speeches by Indian leaders supporting the struggle in Goa. On July 15, 1956, Vinoba Bhave, in his radio address, asked the Portuguese to leave Goa peacefully.
On December 19, 1961, the Goa region was merged into the Indian territory. That day, the staff of the 'Voice of Freedom' secret radio station attached a radio transmitter to the plane and installed a loudspeaker. They all boarded that plane, spreading flowers and announcing the incredible news of 450 years of history. They stayed in the sky for a couple of hours. The establishment of ‘Voice of Freedom,' a clandestine radio centre, holds special significance within the historical context of Goa's struggle for independence.
Source: Somisetty Sarala, Contributor for CCRT