Julião Menezes

TitleFounder of Gomantak Praja MandalPolitical partyIndian National CongressMovement

Julião Menezes (7 August 1909 – 2 July 1980), also known as Dr. Juliao Menezes, was an Indian freedom fighter, medical practitioner, author, and nationalist leader. He played a prominent role in the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule and was active in the Goa liberation movement.^[1]

Menezes established the "Gomantak Praja Mandal" for widespread of national passion for Goans. He was also a member of the provisional committee of the National Congress in Goa and was present at its session in 1948. He played an active part, during its formation. Menezes along with socialist leader, Ram Manohar Lohia planned the civil disobedience movement against Salazar's regime in Goa.^[2][3]

Early and personal life

Julião Menezes was born on 7 August 1909 in Assolna, Goa, Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now in India), to Zeferinho Piedade Menezes, a professional seafarer, and Maria Salvacao. He was the second of six siblings: Argentina, Rupertina, Roque, Menelau, and Alzira.

Menezes's father died when he was young, which caused financial constraints for the family. Despite this, his mother encouraged him to study at Berlin University in Germany, where he graduated with a medical degree.^[4] Menezes died as a bachelor at his residence in Mumbai on 2 July 1980, at the age of 70.

Role in Goa's freedom struggle (1930–1948)

During his school days, Menezes looked upon Luis de Menezes Braganza and other prominent writers as his role model. He met Lohia at Berlin University, wherein the two studied medicine and economics and eventually became friends, they were part of the Indian Students Union in Berlin.^[5] Menezes also offered safety to Lohia when he went into hiding during the Quit India Movement.

The first event, the duo created history was in 1930 during the session of the League of Nations, wherein the two were responsible for throwing bundles of leaflets from the visitors gallery by denouncing the Maharaja of Bikaner, an Indian representative who was sent by the British.

In 1938, Menezes started spreading nationalistic ardour with the support of Juvenile Club de Assolna. It was during this time, a library was set-up for the freedom fighters of the Assolna, Velim and Cuncolim (AVC) villages. However, the Portuguese raided the club and library premises, but were unable to arrest Menezes. They later auctioned the library and club assets through the revenue department. Taking the event in consideration, the Portuguese government forced upon a ban on gatherings of more than five people in the Assolna market for three months.

It was during the 1940s, Goa's Independence had procured momentum which was inspired by India's independence movement against the British India government. On 18 June 1946 Menezes, along with Lohia, hosted a pro-independence convention at lohia maidan, Margao following this meeting, the duo were arrested by the Portuguese government.^[6]

Publications

In 1939, Menezes founded "Gomantak Praja Mandal" in Bombay^[7] with an aim to spread national passion amongst the Goans. Three years later in 1942, Menezes launched the bilingual, English-Konkani weekly "Gomantak". Some of Menezes's notable publications include, "Beitrag zur chirurgischen Behandlung des Nierensteinleidens" (1938),^[8]"Goa's Freedom Struggle" (1947),^[9] "Goa: What of the Future" and "Contra Roma E Além de Benares" (1948).^[10]

Legacy

A memorial named after Menezes and his companion Ram Manohar Lohia was constructed in the Assolna market, called the Lohia Chowk.^[11]

References