19th December, Goa Liberation Day

A golden phase in the freedom struggle

Goa liberation struggle:

19^th December, Goa Liberation Day. On this day, the Portuguese left Goa. Indian army was successful. The small but important state of Goa was liberated. Tricolour hoisted over Goa. The destruction of Goan people, which started from the time the Portuguese set foot on the land of Goa in 1510, ended on December 19, 1961, after almost four and a half hundred (450) years.

Goa is the smallest state in case of area and the fourth smallest state in terms of population. Goa is famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches and folk culture. Goa was a Portuguese colony.

Portuguese entered Goa in 1510:

Goa has always attracted everyone since it is bestowed with natural beauty. The Portuguese were similarly attracted. They entered Goa in 1510 with the intention of establishing a trading colony. 

At that time Adil Shah of Bijapur ruled Goa. After overthrowing the power of Adil Shah, the Portuguese established their power in Goa. India was ruled by British and Goa, Daman and Diu by the Portuguese. On 15^th August 1947, the British lost power in India. But the liberation of Goa was delayed. When the rest of the people of the country were breathing the air of freedom, Goans were still facing the atrocities.

First spark of Goa Liberation struggle:

Although countless activists were working underground to free Goa from the yoke of Portuguese, the first spark was ignited by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya.

Dr. Lohiya was invited by his friend Juliao Menezes to rest for a few days; when he got to see the restrictions imposed by the Portuguese on the Goans.

 He was disturbed to see the exploitation of the Goans and violation of basic rights of Goans by the Portuguese government. He raised his voice against the Portuguese by holding a public meeting at Madgaon on 18 June 1946. This meeting got an unprecedented response. On this occasion, the citizens felt that there is someone who listens to the clamour of Goan people. This was the first spark of the Goa Liberation struggle.

Participation of those who took the path of armed revolution:

During this period, a new generation emerged from Goan soil. In this, many youths like Prabhakar Sinari, Mohan Ranade, Bala Mapari, Vishwanath Lawande came forward. Youth from villages along with these freedom fighters took the path of armed revolution. Armed forces like Azad Gomantak Dal were formed, many youths participated in it. This team was led by Prabhakar Sinari. This armed force successfully carried out many small and big attacks against the Portuguese. Maharashtra also gave valuable support in this struggle. Moreover, people of different views had gathered in this. Many activists from different ideologists united with the consensus that Goa should get independence and conducted themselves in their own way.

Dr. Cunha, the father of the nationalist movement in Goa:

Many freedom fighters participated in this struggle through Satyagraha, among them were Dr. T.B. Cunha, Purushottam Kakodkar, Dr. Juliao Menezes and others. Dr. T.B. Cunha is considered as the father of nationalist movement in Goa. He was sentenced to jail for eight years in Portugal. He was released from there in 1953. After that he started two newspapers named Azad Goa and Swatantra Goa. But unfortunately he died before seeing Goa Liberated.

The Liberation war of 1961 was a very important stage:

The freedom fighters continued their fight without waiting for the orders of the Indian Government. Finally on 18 December 1961, the Indian Government ordered the army to take action through “Operation Vijay”. The Indian army and the freedom fighters were successful in confounding the Portuguese government. The Portuguese army opened heavy fire on freedom fighters at Patradevi, many of them lost their lives.

Finally on 19 December 1961 at ten o’clock in the night, Portuguese Governor Vasal da Silva signed the surrender document and handed it over to the Indian Army chief. Goa was finally freed from 450 years of Portuguese slavery.

After the war of 1961, Portuguese rule in India came to an end. The region of Goa, Daman and Diu was completely freed. The 1961 war or Operation Vijay thus was the last and most important phase of the process of Liberation of Goa. This operation was a decisive part of the Goa Liberation movement. 

BE THE REASON

 BE THE REASON: 1 percent

There are people in this world who have only come across people who have mistreated and hurt them their entire lives.

They don’t know what affection is, they don’t know what it’s like to be talked with kindness, to be shown love or acceptance without conditions. Some don’t even think they’re worth being loved. They are open wounds.

Be the reason someone believes there are still good people in this world. Change their perspective.

Be the reason they can learn to build trust again, and open themselves to letting people in their lives. Because many people have shut down and build walls to protect themselves from getting hurt.

The world is full of people who just want to take from others, rare is it to find people who also want to give, and not just take.

So be that 1%, make a difference. It won’t change the world but it will certain change their world. Giving someone something they’ve never had is truly priceless. Be light!

Everyone you come across has wounds, struggles, traumas and are trying to heal from things they are not to be vocal about.

So, when you enter someone’s life even if it’s just for a minute, try your best to leave them in a better condition than you found them. Be a light in their world.

This doesn’t mean you should fix them; it more about trying to change their perception of the world with your kindness, compassion and love.

BOOK

                             

‘Book’ comes from ‘boc’ in Old English. It is a number of sheets of paper bound together. These sheets carry writing or printing on them.

The first books were written on the papyrus plant by the ancient Egyptians. (‘Paper’ has grown out of ‘papyrus’.) For centuries there were only handwritten books. In 1455, the German inventor of printing, Guttenburg, completely changed book production. (Incidentally, a ‘bookmaker’ has nothing to do with the making of books; it is a person whose business is to take bets, as on horse races.)

Many have written on the importance of books. One says that a good book is the precious life blood of a master spirit. Another holds that it is the purest essence of a human soul. Yet another view sees it as the best friends, the same today and forever. No doubt, the study of books leads us to the study of mankind.

One has to pick and choose the books that one decides to read. Their quality and relevance have to be well considered. Some books are to be tasted; some are to be swallowed; and a few are to be chewed and digested. Reading books is a ready way to learning. But one is likely to become a ‘bookworm’ if one goes on reading too much.

The true foundation of a school, college or university is a collection of books. In the living present, books have largely been replaced by the mobile, computer, tablet and other devices. Yet the legacy of books lingers on.

 

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

 

DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Focus on what’s meaningful to you and follow that path. Don’t make choices based on what everyone around you is doing or saying you should do.

It’s not you v/s the world, it’s you v/s yourself. You are the who gets to decide what kind of experience you want to have in this life. This life is yours to live not people’s to dictate.

Many people lack self-awareness and have no sense of purpose; they’re constantly in need of external validation to fill that void. Don’t be that person. Don’t let people control or manipulate you. Be self-aware!

You don’t have to live your life according to people’s expectations or societies standards. You are your own person. Find yourself, know yourself and live accordingly.

People will tell you what to do, how to live, what to believe, who to be, but you have to be self aware and follow the path that feels right for you even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone. Live a life that’s meaningful to you according to your goals, passion, vision and calling; because you will be the one stuck with the consequences of choices and decisions you make.

Make sure that whatever you do you are doing it because you feel it’s truly right for you and not just because it’s everyone around you wants or expects.

Article on MINIMALISM

 

What is minimalism?

 

     Minimalism is a movement in the visual arts that originated in New York in the 1960’s. The trend is especially popular in interior design and architecture. It’s basic philosophy is to promote the things that are truly valuable and remove everything else that is not essential.

Minimalist architects and interior designers try to achieve simplicity by using white elements, cold lighting and large spaces with minimum objects and furniture. They avoid complex curves, ornate designs and any other feature that is seen as a distraction or complication to a basic design. Wall surfaces are light-coloured and windows are large, allowing an abundance of natural light into the house. There is an emphasis or restraint.

Famous minimalist architects include German Architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe and Japanese Tadao Ando. The motto ‘Less is more’ was coined by Rohe. Apple founder Steve Jobs was a minimalist and this is reflected in the way he designed Apple products like the iPad, iPod and iPhone.

Minimalist design has been deeply influenced by Japanese traditional design and architecture. The latter is inspired by Zen philosophy that teaches one to unclutter the mind and to live simply with few possessions. In an earthquake-prone country like Japan, minimalism is practical as most earthquake injuries happen due to falling objects.

Story

 

Cycle of Evil

 There was once a king who was so cruel and unjust that his subjects yearned for his death and dethronement.

However, one day he surprised them all by announcing that he had decided to turn over a new leaf.

“No more cruelty, no more injustice,” he promised, and he was as good as his word. He became known as ‘Gentle Monarch’.

Months after his transformation one of his ministers plucked up enough courage to ask him what had brought about this change of heart, and the king answered:

“As I was galloping through my forests I caught sight of a fox being chased by a hound. The fox escaped into his hole but not before the hound had bitten into its leg and lamed it for life.

Later I rode into a village and saw the same hound there. It was barking at a man. Even as I watched, the man picked up a huge stone and flung it at the dog, breaking its leg. The man had not gone far when he was kicked by a horse. His knee was shattered and he fell to the ground, disable for life. The horse began to run but it fell into a hole and broke his leg. Reflecting on all that had happened, I thought: ‘Evil begets evil. If I continue in my evil ways, I will surely be overtaken by evil.’ So I decided to change.”

The minister went away convinced that the time was ripe to overthrow the king and seize the throne. Immersed in thought, he did not see the steps in front of him and fell, breaking his neck.

Meet the wise warrior

 

Ahilyabai Holkar

Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795) was one of the most noteworthy women rulers of India. She ruled over Malwa for over thirty years with Maheshwar as her capital. 

She is credited with reviving the art of Maheshwari saris.

Ahilyabai was the daughter-in-law of Malhar Rao Holkar, the ruler of Malwa. When her husband was killed in battle in 1754, Malhar Rao trained the young widow in the administrative and military affairs of the kingdom and even allowed her to accompany him on some of his military campaigns.

Malhar Rao died in 1766 and Ahilyabai’s son was appointed successor. He died within a year and the state was left without an heir. Sensing an opportunity, Raghoba, an uncle of Peshwa of Pune arrived at the bank of the river Kshipra (in the Holkar kingdom) with an army of 50,000 to seize the state.

Ahilyabai wrote to him: “I am prepared for a battle. If you win, no one will consider it a great feat, but consider the consequences if you should lose at the hands of a woman…”

Raghoba was not confident of victory and the letter made him still more nervous. He decided to withdraw. He wrote back saying that he had not come to fight, but to pay a condolence visit on the death of her son.

Ahilyabai accepted the explanation, though she could not help remarking that she thought it strange that a man should come with an army of 50,000 to pay a condolence visit.

A conscientious administrator, Queen Ahilyabai was tolerant and just in her outlook. So efficient was her rule that there were no rebellions against her during her lifetime and her kingdom prospered like never before. She used her wealth to build temples, ghats, roads and dharamshalas.

Ahilyabai was also a fearless warrior and led the Holkar army into battle on more than one occasion. Her fortitude won her the admiration of the Peshwas, Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Scindia of Gwalior.