Goa CM Launches New Edition of ‘History That India Ignored’

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday launched the new edition of “History That India Ignored”, authored by veteran journalist and Asian News International Chairman Prem Prakash. The Chief Minister described the book as a vital contribution towards restoring overlooked and misrepresented chapters of India’s freedom struggle, particularly for younger generations.

Reclaiming Neglected Narratives of Freedom Struggle

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the release of the book was not merely a literary event but an act of national responsibility. He emphasised that the book is rooted in evidence-based documentation and intellectual honesty at a time when selective narratives often dominate public discourse. According to him, the work records the sacrifices of hundreds of unsung freedom fighters whose contributions have remained largely absent from mainstream historical accounts.

Focus on Savarkar and the INA

Mr Sawant highlighted that the second edition gives detailed attention to the life and sacrifices of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, whose role in the freedom movement, he said, has been grossly misrepresented for decades. The book explains the circumstances surrounding Savarkar’s arrest and imprisonment and seeks to correct long-standing distortions. It also revisits the Battle of Imphal and the role of the Indian National Army led by Subhash Chandra Bose, shedding light on lesser-known military efforts against colonial rule.

Goa’s Liberation Given Due Recognition

The Chief Minister noted that a chapter dedicated to Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule holds special significance. He said Goa’s freedom struggle, which culminated later than that of most of India, involved immense sacrifice and mass participation. Thousands of Goans faced imprisonment and laid down their lives for integration with India, yet the movement did not receive adequate national recognition. The book, he said, helps bridge this gap. He also recalled that Prem Prakash personally witnessed the surrender of the Portuguese administration in Goa.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• “History That India Ignored” focuses on lesser-known aspects of India’s freedom struggle.
• Veer Savarkar and the Indian National Army feature prominently in the book.
• Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961, later than most of India.
• Unsung freedom fighters form a key theme of revisionist historical studies.

Importance for Historical Understanding

The book revisits untold stories that are essential to understanding the spirit of India’s freedom movement. By documenting neglected events and personalities, it seeks to broaden public awareness and encourage a more comprehensive engagement with India’s national history.