To commemorate the 64th Goa Liberation Day, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex at Sinquerim is opening its doors to Goan residents with no entry charge, allowing them to celebrate the historic occasion by reconnecting with the state’s liberation legacy. Goans can avail free entry by furnishing any government-certified identification or proof of residence.
As a prominent cultural and historical landmark, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex offers a poignant glimpse into Goa’s past and its long struggle for freedom. Once a place where freedom fighters were incarcerated, the complex today stands as a powerful reminder of their sacrifices and resilience. Visitors can explore former jail cells that have been transformed into a digital interactive museum, dedicated to narrating the stories of Goa’s freedom movement and the lives of those who fought for liberation.
The museum presents immersive narratives, archival material, and visual storytelling that help visitors understand the journey towards Goa’s liberation. A dedicated memorial wall honours the countless freedom fighters whose names are etched as a lasting tribute to their courage and contribution. The initiative encourages Goans to rediscover their heritage, reflect on the sacrifices made, and celebrate the spirit of freedom on this significant day.
The free-entry initiative will be available on Thursday, December 19, 2025, from 10 am onwards at the Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Sinquerim.
Panaji | September 5, 2025: In a heartfelt initiative to preserve and celebrate the contributions of tribal heroes, the Tribal Research Institute Goa is inviting members of the public to come forward with names and details of Scheduled Tribe individuals who took part in Goa’s freedom movement but whose contributions remain undocumented or unrecognized.
The move is part of the institute’s effort to ensure that no tribal freedom fighter is forgotten, and that their sacrifices are immortalized in the upcoming Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum located at Farmagudi, Ponda.
Deadline for Submissions: October 20, 2025
Those who have credible information about such individuals are requested to submit their details on or before October 20, 2025, at the office of:
Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Limited 2nd Floor, Dayanand Smriti Building Swami Vivekanand Road, Panaji
The collected information will be verified and, upon validation, included in the museum’s permanent exhibition. This initiative aims to provide overdue recognition to the brave tribal men and women who contributed to Goa’s liberation but were left out of mainstream historical narratives.
A Step Towards Inclusive History
This museum is set to become a symbol of recognition and gratitude, shedding light on the often-overlooked role of Scheduled Tribes in Goa’s struggle for independence. By acknowledging their contribution, the state not only pays homage to their bravery but also strengthens its commitment to an inclusive historical narrative.
If you know of any tribal freedom fighters—be it your ancestors, local legends, or community members—now is the time to bring their stories to light. Their legacy deserves to be remembered.
The villages of Assolna, Velim, and Cuncolim, famously known as AVC, have a long history of courage. Before the Portuguese ever arrived in Goa, the gauncars of these villages served as respected warriors in Adil Shah’s army. But when the Portuguese began their campaign of conquest and religious conversion, AVC became a stronghold of resistance.
Unlike other parts of Salcette that gave in, the people of AVC refused to surrender. They rebuilt temples after they were destroyed, held rituals in secret, and stood united against outside control. Meetings were held at a central spot in Cuncolim called the mand, where leaders planned their defense.
It was the people of AVC who led ‘A People’s War of Independence’ or an armed action, between the period from 1559 to 1583 and a struggle of non-cooperation with the Portuguese and the church. Continuous struggles were launched to stop the Portuguese attempts to break temples. Unfortunately, this struggle took a very ugly turn on15th July 1583.
Fearing another attack on their temples, villagers rose up and killed five Jesuit priests. This fight resulted in the death of five missionaries, Rodolfo Aquaviva, Afonso Pacheco, António Francisco from Coimbra, Pedro Berno and Francisco Aranha. Three lay people also died with them, namely Alphonso da Costa, Francisco Rodriguez and Domingos Aguiar.
The Portuguese responded with a brutal betrayal, calling the local chieftains for peace talks, only to kill them. The monument inaugurated in November 1999 at the site of the revolt in Tolleiband, Cuncolim mentions the name of 16 tribal chieftains: Jay Naik, Bozno Naik, Emu Naik, Vithoba Naik, Jivlo Naik, Guno Naik, Shabu Naik,Calgo Naik, Polputo Naik, Topi Naik and Shanta Shet among others. Their lands were confiscated, and their bodies never properly buried.
These three villages are not only geographically and historically linked together but are also socio-culturally bound together. It is difficult to write about one village without entering into the socio-cultural history of the other sister villages. A feeling of oneness and a spirit of brotherhood is evident among the people of these villages till today, irrespective of their religion.
Fun Facts:
Many locals still use both their ancestral and Portuguese surnames — like Sawant Mendes!
Village wards still go by names like Naik Vaddo, Porobos Vaddo, and Milleia Vaddo — unchanged for centuries.
Forget courts — disputes were settled by the dhazaan, a council of ten elders. The most serious punishment? Getting kicked out of the village!
Wards had confres — community loan funds with no interest or collateral. Portuguese officials hated them.
Catholic weddings still include the Ross and Bicareachea jevonn. During the Mell and Sotrios, Catholics and Hindus celebrate side by side — carrying umbrellas, lighting lamps, throwing kumkum and rose petals, even worshipping the idol of Shanta Durga together. A Hindu priest still collects coconuts from Catholic homes in Cuncolim!
During both World Wars, the church bells in AVC never stopped — families lost sons, but never their cultural roots. Their pride and traditions still echo through these villages today.
As you enter Cuncolim, a sign reads, “Welcome to Cuncolim, the land of freedom fighters.” The spirit of resistance still lives on. On 27th November 1999, this pride was honoured with the erection of the Chieftains’ Memorial at the site of the 1583 Cuncolim massacre. The revolt led by 16 Chieftains is considered one of India’s earliest uprisings against foreign rule. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant was praised for including this historic revolt in Class IX and XI textbooks.
~ 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.
January 30th marks a significant day in India’s history, as the nation comes together to commemorate Martyrs’ Day. This solemn occasion honors the sacrifices of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated on this day in 1948, as well as the countless unsung heroes who laid down their lives for India’s freedom and sovereignty.
Martyrs’ Day is celebrated across India with great reverence. The day begins with dignitaries, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other prominent leaders, gathering at the Raj Ghat memorial in New Delhi to lay wreaths and pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
The ceremony at Raj Ghat is followed by a series of tributes and ceremonies across the country. Armed forces personnel sound the Last Post, a solemn melody that signifies the final farewell to the departed souls. This is followed by a two-minute silence at 11 AM, observed by people from all walks of life, to honor the martyrs and pay their respects.
Throughout the day, people gather at various venues, including schools, colleges, and community centers, to hold prayers and sing tributes to the martyrs. These gatherings serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s freedom fighters and the importance of preserving the nation’s sovereignty.
Martyrs’ Day is celebrated in India to acknowledge the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and the importance of preserving India’s sovereignty and freedom.
As India observes Martyrs’ Day, the nation comes together to honor its unsung heroes and pay tribute to their sacrifices. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving India’s sovereignty and freedom, and the need to continue striving for a better future for all.
