One of the most important days in Goa's history is considered is Goa Liberation Day, which is marked each year on December 19 in India. 

Goa, one of India's smallest states, is located around 250 miles south of Mumbai and was formerly ruled by the Portuguese for a period of 450 years. The Goa Liberation Day commemorates the day, December 19, 1961, when Indian military forces liberated Goa from Portuguese domination. The day is particularly significant for celebrating Goa's recent accomplishments, which include reaching tourism industry benchmarks and preserving its status as the Indian state with the highest per capita revenue.

The main focus of Goa Liberation Day is commemorating Goa's independence from the Portuguese. Goa is a state located in the Konkan area on India's south-western coast. Along with the Arabian Sea to the west, it shares borders with the states of Maharashtra to the north, Karnataka to the east and south, and Maharashtra to the west. Panaji, the district's capital, is located on the mainland's north coast. It became a part of India in 1962 after being liberated from Portuguese rule, and it gained full independence from that country in 1987.

Goa was still in disrepair after 450 years of Portuguese rule on August 15, 1947, when India attained freedom. One of the first nations to colonise sections of India was Portugal, which continued to cling onto Goa and other Indian regions even after India gained her freedom.

Following a myriad of unsuccessful negotiations and diplomatic endeavors with the Portuguese, the Ex-prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, determined that military intervention was their only choice. The 36-hour military operation, conducted from Dec 18, 1961, was code-named ‘Operation Vijay’ implying ‘Operation Victory,’ and involved attacks by the Indian navy, air force, and army.

General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva signed the surrender document at the momentous turning point, when Indian troops easily recovered the Goan territory. On December 19, 1961, 451 years of Portuguese control in the area came to an end and India reclaimed the territory. However, the move at the time drew conflicting reactions across the globe. Many people applauded the action and supported India, but others, including Portugal, denounced the Indian forces' "invasion" of Goa.

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