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.
On the occasion of 63rd Goa Liberation Day, the Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim has thrown its doors open for all Goans to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Liberation Day. Goan residents will not be charged for the entry to the complex free of cost, on furnishing of any government certified identification.
As a cultural and historical destination, the Aguad offers visitors a chance to walk down memory lane and relive some of the experiences of the heroes of Goa’s past. From the jail cells that have been converted into a digital interactive museum, one is dedicated to Goa’s freedom struggle and narrates the stories of Goa’s freedom fighters. A dedicated wall within the complex proudly displays the names of the countless unsung heroes of Goa’s liberation struggle. The site also features statues of prominent figures like TB Cunha, Father of Goan nationalism and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, a venerable freedom fighter and socialist ideologue, further cementing its significance as a historical landmark.
