Goa, May 30 -- It's all happening as Goa celebrates its 39th Statehood Day! India's smallest state by area is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and rich cultural diversity, but beyond its tourism appeal lies a powerful history of resilience and transformation. Goa Statehood Day, observed every year on May 30, marks the day in 1987 when Goa attained full statehood and officially became the 25th state of the Republic of India.

Goa was a Portuguese colony for more than 450 years, beginning in 1510 when Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Despite India's independence in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese control until December 1961, when the Indian government launched Operation Vijay to liberate Goa, Daman, and Diu. P...