Margao / North Goa – Class X students of VVM’s Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao, recently undertook an educational visit to the historic Aguad Port & Jail Complex in North Goa, offering them a deeper understanding of Goa’s rich heritage beyond classroom learning.
The visit included a guided tour of the Aguad Jail Complex and the Aguad Interactive Museum – Goa: The Land, The Struggle, The People. Through preserved exhibits, historical artefacts and detailed displays, students were introduced to Goa’s freedom fighters, their sacrifices and the broader liberation movement.
A key highlight of the visit was the museum’s innovative use of multimedia presentations, which brought Goa’s history to life in an engaging and accessible manner. The interactive installations helped students connect historical events with real-life narratives, making the learning experience both informative and enjoyable.
The educational field trip enabled students to appreciate Goa’s legacy in a unique way, fostering curiosity, awareness and respect for the state’s cultural and historical journey.
Aguada, Goa | June 18, 2025 In a moving tribute to the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism, Rohidas Dessai, President of the Goa Freedom Fighters Association, visited the historic Aguad Port & Jail Complex on June 18 to honor his former associates—freedom fighters who played a pivotal role in Goa’s liberation movement. The event was held at the Core Block, where the names of incarcerated freedom fighters are proudly displayed as a lasting testament to their courage.
Standing solemnly before the engraved names of fellow freedom fighters, Dessai paid homage to the individuals who, like him, stood against colonial rule and helped shape the destiny of Goa. The visit highlighted not only the personal stories of sacrifice but also the enduring legacy of those who contributed to the state’s liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961.
“These walls hold our stories. They are more than just names—they are voices of courage, unity, and relentless pursuit of freedom,” Dessai remarked during the tribute.
Families Reconnect with History
The tribute was made more poignant as family members of Goa’s freedom fighters also visited the complex. For many, it was a deeply emotional experience—seeing the Aguad Interactive Museum, which brings to life the struggle and resilience of those who participated in the freedom movement.
From historic photographs to immersive exhibits, the museum serves as a vital link between past and present, educating younger generations about the price paid for independence and the values it enshrines.
“Visiting this site, where our father was once imprisoned, makes us feel proud and connected to our roots,” said one family member during the visit.
Aguad Complex as a Living Memorial
Once a colonial-era prison, the Aguad Port & Jail Complex has been transformed into a cultural heritage site and memorial, preserving the stories of those who were imprisoned for their political beliefs and actions during Goa’s long struggle for liberation. The Core Block—the heart of the tribute zone—now serves as a silent guardian of these memories.
The Goa government, in collaboration with the Department of Archives and Archaeology, continues to preserve and showcase this site as a symbol of resilience and national pride.
~ The students engaged with Goa’s rich history through the Aguad Interactive Museum and explored the historic jail cells.
Panaji, June 2025: On Goa Revolution Day, 188 school students from across the state visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim, getting a firsthand look at a slice of the state’s history. Accompanied by teachers, parents and guides, they joined locals and tourists in marking the day at the former prison that once held freedom fighters during Goa’s liberation movement.
The historic venue had offered free entry for bonafide Goan residents to visit and honour the state’s freedom fighters who were once imprisoned at Aguada prison, now a popular, restored heritage site that is home to the Aguad Interactive Museum (AIM).
In all, 43 students accompanied by two teachers from Dr K B Hedgewar High School in Bambolim, 122 students and 10 teachers from Hedgewar Primary and High School in Assonora and 23 students, one tour guide and 10 teachers and parents from Vidya Prabodhini Primary School in Alto Porvorim, visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex on the occasion of the historic day.
“Today, Aguad stands proudly as a diverse historical and cultural hub deeply rooted in Goan identity. It represents the unique cultural legacy of Goa and preserves the legacy of the freedom fighters who were incarcerated at Aguad, providing a memorable experience for all who visit. Students, in particular, can enrich themselves with factually accurate knowledge about Goa’s freedom struggle and learn more about the stellar participants of the movement,” says Savio Mathias, The Aguad Port and Jail Complex’s vice president, Operations and Business Development.
The students engaged with Goa’s history through the interactive museum’s touch screens, informative displays and immersive installations. They had the opportunity to walk through the historic jail cells that once held Goa’s freedom fighters. In the Core Block of the complex, the students solemnly observed the engraved names of those freedom fighters who had been imprisoned at the jail during the state’s liberation movement, a reminder of their sacrifices.
