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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on August 26, 2026, inaugurated the newly re-developed Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi, a historic site associated with the state’s liberation struggle

from Portuguese rule. Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Y. Naik were present on the occasion.In his address, Raksha Mantri paid glowing tributes to the Satyagrahis of the Goa liberation movement, including Karnail Singh from Punjab, Sahodra

Devi from Madhya Pradesh, Madhukar Damodar Chaudhary from Maharashtra. He described the movement as not merely a regional struggle, but a manifestation of India’s national consciousness and unity.“National unity is above narrow-minded thoughts such as regionalism,

communalism, and casteism. Patradevi conveys a powerful message that while India may have diverse regional, social and cultural identities, ‘being Indian’ is what binds us all together. In Patradevi, the Satyagrahis demonstrated with immense courage that India could stand up for its rights through peaceful means. But, when territorial integrity of a sovereign nation is at

stake and peaceful efforts reach their limit, the nation also possesses the right to exercise its full strength,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.Commending the professionalism, courage, and discipline with which the Indian Defence Forces successfully executed the liberation of Goa during Operation Vijay in 1961, Raksha Mantri asserted that the

valour displayed by the soldiers set an example for militaries worldwide. He added that the self-confidence with which the Indian Defence Forces discharged their duties established a tradition that continues even today, with Operation Sindoor being a prime example.

He reiterated that Op Sindoor proved that the defence forces are capable of giving a befitting reply to those who cast an evil eye on India.Shri Rajnath Singh called the liberation of Goa not merely an occasion to recall past military valour, but also a reminder that the Indian Defence Forces must

always remain vigilant, capable, and prepared to safeguard India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.Reflecting on India’s remarkable transformation since 1961, Raksha Mantri said: “Our defence forces are today protecting national interests with state-of-the-art equipment such as warships, fighter aircraft, advanced radar

systems, network-centric warfare capabilities, and long-range air power. All the three services are moving towards greater jointness and integration. We possess a vast economy, talented youth, and a rapidly expanding defence industrial ecosystem. We’re enhancing our indigenous capabilities across numerous sectors.

We’re transforming ourselves from a major defence importer to an increasingly significant global defence manufacturing and exporting nation. Defence exports, which were merely Rs 600 crore before 2014, have today reached a record figure of over Rs 38,000 crore. Defence production,

which was once just Rs 40,000 crore, has risen to an all-time high of Rs 1.81 lakh crore. If it weren’t for the West Asia crisis, we would have become the world’s third-largest economy by now.”CNI NEWS