Laxmidas Krishna Borkar (1925–1999), born Dattaram Krishna Borkar in Paniwada, Borim, Goa, was a multifaceted figure whose life embodied the spirit of Goan resistance, journalism, and cultural preservation. As a freedom fighter, journalist, and writer, Borkar’s contributions to Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule and the nurturing of its unique identity—often referred to as “Goan-ness”—left an indelible mark on the state’s history. His journey, marked by courage, intellectual rigor, and a deep love for his homeland, continues to inspire Goans today.
A Freedom Fighter’s Resolve
Laxmidas Borkar’s commitment to Goa’s liberation from Portuguese colonial rule began early in his life. At the age of 21, on June 18, 1946, he accompanied Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a prominent Indian socialist leader, during a historic public meeting in Margao, a pivotal moment in Goa’s freedom movement. Borkar’s participation led to his arrest and detention at Margao Police Station, a testament to his willingness to confront colonial oppression head-on.
Later that year, on November 7, 1946, he offered satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) at Shiroda alongside Roque Sequeira, protesting curbs on civil liberties. His speech during the event galvanized a large procession toward Borim, which was met with violence—the first instance of police firing on protesters in Goa. Borkar was arrested again, underscoring the risks he took for the cause.In 1954, Borkar represented the Goan people at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, signing a representation to advocate for Goa’s liberation on the global stage.
The following year, on May 18, 1955, he joined Barrister Nath Pai in a satyagraha at Castle Rock to disrupt railway traffic to Goa, a strategic act of civil disobedience aimed at pressuring the Portuguese regime. These actions cemented Borkar’s role as a key figure in the National Congress of Goa and the Praja Socialist Party (PSP), organizations central to the anti-colonial struggle.
A Journalist’s Voice for Goa
Borkar’s contributions extended beyond the battlefield of activism into the realm of journalism, where he amplified Goan voices and chronicled the region’s struggles. In 1963, he joined the Express Group of Newspapers as a staff correspondent in Panaji, contributing to publications such as Loksatta, Indian Express, Financial Express, and Screen. His incisive reporting captured the socio-political transformations in post-liberation Goa. By 1965, he had relocated to Mumbai, serving as Chief Sub-Editor for Loksatta, further honing his craft in one of India’s leading Marathi dailies.
Borkar’s journalistic endeavors were not limited to mainstream media. He was a founder member of the Goa Union of Journalists and the Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh, organizations that championed press freedom and professional integrity. His association with the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh further highlighted his commitment to fostering a vibrant journalistic community. Through his writing, Borkar documented Goa’s evolving identity, bridging the gap between its colonial past and its aspirations as part of independent India.
A Literary Legacy
As a writer, Laxmidas Borkar authored 14 books, many of which explored themes of Goan culture, history, and social change. His literary work complemented his activism and journalism, offering nuanced reflections on what it meant to be Goan. Borkar’s involvement with Sane Guruji Kathamala, a storytelling initiative inspired by the social reformer Sane Guruji, showcased his dedication to preserving and sharing cultural narratives.
His books, celebrated in exhibitions like the one held on August 17, 2024, in Goa, remain a treasure trove of insights into the Goan psyche.Borkar’s contributions to literature were recognized posthumously through events such as the release of his books on August 17, 2024, and the Laxmidas Borkar Centenary Quiz on October 1, 2024, which engaged younger generations with his legacy. These initiatives underscored his role as a cultural custodian who captured the essence of “Goan-ness”—a term that encapsulates Goa’s syncretic blend of Hindu and Catholic traditions, its lush landscapes, and its resilient spirit.
Championing Goan-ness“Goan-ness” is a complex, vibrant identity rooted in Goa’s history of cultural confluence, shaped by centuries of Portuguese rule, indigenous traditions, and post-liberation integration into India. Laxmidas Borkar’s life was a testament to this identity. His activism helped secure Goa’s freedom, ensuring that its unique character could flourish in a democratic India. His journalism gave voice to the aspirations and challenges of Goans during a transformative era, while his writings preserved the stories, values, and humor that define the region.
Borkar’s association with organizations like the Goa Hindu Association and Pratibha Friends Circle reflected his commitment to community-building and cultural dialogue. His work bridged linguistic and religious divides, fostering a sense of unity among Goans. The naming of Laxmidas Borkar Road in Journalist Colony, Alto Betim, on August 15, 2024, was a fitting tribute to his contributions, symbolizing his enduring presence in Goa’s collective memory.
A Lasting Impact
Laxmidas Borkar passed away on December 5, 1999, but his legacy endures through the institutions he helped build, the stories he told, and the freedoms he fought for. The 25th anniversary of his death, commemorated on December 5, 2024, at the Marathi Patrakar Sangh hall in Mumbai, served as a reminder of his profound influence.
Borkar’s life was a celebration of Goa’s spirit—its resilience, its diversity, and its unyielding love for freedom.In a region often caught between its colonial past and modern aspirations, Borkar’s contributions anchored Goa in its own narrative. He was not just a freedom fighter, journalist, or writer but a guardian of “Goan-ness,” ensuring that the soul of Goa—its rivers, festivals, and people—remained vibrant for generations to come. As Goa navigates the challenges of globalization and demographic change, Laxmidas Borkar’s legacy offers a timeless reminder of the power of identity, rooted in struggle and expressed through the storytelling
