Year 1947: The entire country had gained independence. However, a tiny part of it – Goa – remained under Portuguese control for 14 more years. It was only in 1961 that the state was finally liberated, marking the end of 400 years of colonial rule.

In those years of continued occupation, a silent revolution was brewing. Among the countless voices demanding freedom were courageous women who refused to surrender — fighting with unshakable resolve for Goa’s liberation. Here’s a look at some of these fearless women and their remarkable acts of defiance.

Around 1955, the only news most Goans would believe was that disseminated by the ‘Voice of Freedom’. The radio broadcast could be relied on for the truth. Times were tough; Goa was doing everything she could to free herself.

The years in between saw many women rising in rebellion, fearless of social retaliation or critique. One of them was Libia Lobo Sardesai. She, along with her husband Vaman Sardesai, started the ‘Voice of Freedom’ from a non-descript forest to avoid detection. Their news broadcast permeated the state, heightening the nationalist mindset.

In January 2025, Libia was awarded the Padma Shri for her bravado. Liberation Day — 19 December 1961, when Goa tasted freedom — remains etched in her mind. “When Goa was liberated, General JN Chaudhuri [then the chief of army staff of the Indian Army] came to........

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