Laxmidas Borkar

A Voice of Freedom, Truth and Social Reform

Early Life and Education

Laxmidas Borkar, originally named Dattaram Krishna Borkar, was born on 17 August 1925 in Kusman (Quepem), Goa, to Krishna Dattaram Borkar and Umabai Krishna Borkar. He began his schooling with primary education in Marathi and completed his Lyceum in seven years—marking the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to service, literature, journalism and national consciousness.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

A committed freedom fighter, Laxmidas Borkar spent 16 crucial years in the struggle for Goa’s liberation. He joined the Goa Seva Sangh in 1943 and later became an Executive Committee Member of the Goa Congress Committee (Bombay Branch).
A close associate of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, he actively participated in historic freedom movements. He was arrested during the momentous 18 June 1946 Movement in Margao and took part in several Satyagraha protests across Goa, including Shiroda, Ponda and Castle Rock. Despite repeated arrests, detentions and physical assaults, his resolve for Goa’s freedom and civil liberties remained steadfast.

Leadership and Representation

Laxmidas Borkar served as the Office Secretary and later President of the National Congress (Goa) – Bombay Branch. He represented Goan aspirations at both national and international forums. Notably, he interviewed Mahatma Gandhi on the “Goa Issue” and was chosen as the People’s Representative to sign the representation before the International Court of Justice at The Hague—a rare honour that amplified Goa’s voice on the global stage.

Distinguished Career in Journalism

With a career spanning 51 years, Borkar made an indelible mark in journalism. He worked with prestigious publications such as:

• Loksatta
• Indian Express
• Financial Express
• Screen
• Navaprabha
• Blitz
• Lincoln Star (USA)

He also served as Vice President of the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh and was a key founder of the Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh. As part of a journalist delegation, he visited Rostock and Berlin in East Germany, and Moscow in Russia, strengthening international journalistic engagement.

Literary Contributions

An accomplished author, Laxmidas Borkar wrote 16 books spanning political analysis, biographies, fiction, travelogues, and socio-cultural commentary. His writings offered deep insights into India’s freedom struggle, Goan heritage, and contemporary social issues.
One of his significant works—a detailed three-year chronicle of Goa’s freedom movement—was released decades after its completion by the Governor of Goa. This acclaimed book has since been translated into multiple Indian and foreign languages. His literary contributions include original works and translations in both Marathi and Konkani, highlighting saints, revolutionaries and reformers.

Institution Builder and Cultural Guide

Beyond journalism and literature, Borkar played a transformative role in shaping social and cultural institutions. He contributed to and guided organisations such as:

• The Goa Hindu Association
• Sane Guruji Katha Mala
• Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh
• Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh

Through these platforms, he inspired youth, nurtured writers, and strengthened literary discourse in Goa and Maharashtra.

Honours and Legacy

The remarkable life of Laxmidas Borkar continues to be celebrated through:

• Awards and Scholarships instituted in his name
• Exhibitions and documentary films
• A memorial auditorium dedicated to him
• A commemorative quiz for students
• A road named in his honour
• The Laxmidas Borkar Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh

His legacy continues to illuminate the values of courage, truth, journalistic ethics, and cultural pride.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

The Department of Posts proudly issues this Commemorative Postage Stamp in honour of Laxmidas Borkar—a visionary freedom fighter, fearless journalist, literary torchbearer, and champion of Goa’s cultural identity.
This stamp pays tribute to a man who lived for Goa, stood firmly for India’s democratic ideals, and used the power of the written word as a force for freedom and social change.