Libia Lobo Sardesai, an Indian freedom fighter, helped run the underground radio station Voice of Freedom, which broadcast uncensored news and patriotic messages during Goa’s struggle against Portuguese rule. Operating between 1955 and 1961 with fellow activist Vaman Sardesai and Nicolau Menezes, the station helped spread information and strengthen support for liberation.
Following India’s military operation in December 1961, Portuguese rule in Goa ended on 19 December. Libia later contributed to public life through law, tourism and education. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025. Her story highlights the role of independent communication and individual courage in the fight against colonial rule.
The Voice That Challenged Colonial Rule
At a time when Portuguese authorities controlled information in Goa, Libia Lobo Sardesai and her fellow activists used radio broadcasts to share news that might otherwise have remained inaccessible to the public. The underground Voice of Freedom station was established in November 1955 and operated until 1961. Alongside Vaman Sardesai and Nicolau Menezes, Libia helped broadcast uncensored reports and messages supporting Goa’s liberation movement.
She also used the alias “Vimal Nadkarni” to protect her identity while working against the colonial administration. The broadcasts were transmitted from remote locations to reduce the risk of detection by Portuguese authorities. By carrying news and patriotic messages to listeners, the station offered an alternative to official narratives and helped sustain the movement for freedom.
Its work demonstrated how communication could become a powerful tool of resistance, particularly when people faced restrictions on information and expression.
From Underground Broadcasts To A Free Goa
The station played a part in the final phase of Goa’s liberation struggle. On 17 December 1961, Voice of Freedom broadcast an appeal by India’s then Defence Minister, V. K. Krishna Menon, asking the Portuguese Governor-General to surrender. Two days later, on 19 December, Portuguese rule in Goa ended following India’s Operation Vijay. During this period, Libia flew over Goa aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft equipped with a loudspeaker and radio, announcing the territory’s liberation and dropping leaflets. The moment marked a turning point in a struggle shaped by years of political mobilisation, resistance and demands for self-determination.
Libia’s contribution did not end with the broadcasts. After liberation, she joined the Ministry of External Affairs to assist with the repatriation of Portuguese troops and later became the first Director of Tourism for Goa, Daman and Diu. She also pursued a career in law, becoming Goa’s first practising woman advocate, and supported initiatives in women’s empowerment and education, including a women-run cooperative bank and a college of home sciences. Her later work reflected a continued commitment to building institutions and expanding opportunities beyond the freedom movement.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Libia Lobo Sardesai’s journey reminds us that courage does not always take the form of confrontation. Sometimes, it means protecting the truth, sharing information and standing firm when speaking out carries personal risks. Her work with Voice of Freedom shows how access to information can help people understand their circumstances and participate in the pursuit of change.
Her contributions after Goa’s liberation also underline that freedom is not only about ending colonial rule; it is about creating a society where people can access education, participate in public life and pursue opportunities with dignity.
At The Logical Indian, we believe that history should encourage reflection, empathy and constructive dialogue, not hostility. Remembering those who challenged injustice can inspire us to defend truth, respect different perspectives and work towards a more inclusive society. Libia received the Padma Shri in 2025 in recognition of her contributions.
What can her story teach us today about the power of truth, courage and peaceful resistance?
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