Pandurang Purushottam Shirodkar

Pandurang Purushottam Shirodkar (; better known by his pen name P. P. Shirodkar, Born in Mapuçá, Goa, he played a significant role in the Goan independence movement, enduring long periods of imprisonment and exile in Africa and Portugal. He was also a noted lawyer and journalist who worked for publications such as the Navshakti.

Early life and education Shirodkar was born on 12 October 1916 in Mapusa, Portuguese India, to Dwarkibai and Purushottam Kamu Shirodkar. He received his primary education in the Marathi medium. He later attended a lyceum where he completed his seventh year of Portuguese studies before obtaining a diploma in Portuguese law. Following his education, he established himself as a prominent lawyer.

Independence activism and career Shirodkar began participating in the Goan independence movement in 1939. Since that year, he would openly hoist the Indian tricolour at Velha Goa every Republic Day of India. He successfully contested the 1964 general elections from the Shivole constituency. Following his election, he was chosen unopposed as the first Speaker of the Goa, Daman and Diu Legislative Assembly.

Later in his career, he left the MGP to join the Lok Dal, serving as its president, and subsequently became the Vice-President of the Janata Party in Goa.

Literary works Shirodkar was a strong advocate for the Marathi language and served as the Chairman of the Marathi State Language Establishment Committee. He was also an honorary fellow of the Gomantak Marathi Academy. While incarcerated in Angola, he translated Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Rahasya into the Portuguese language.

The manuscript remained unpublished for decades until his four children, including historian Prakashchandra Pandurang Shirodkar, funded its publication. It was released by the Xavier Centre of Historical Research in October 2016 to mark his birth centenary.

His literary works include books in Marathi, Konkani, English, and Portuguese. Notable works include: Bhartiya Samajvighatak Jativarna Visvastha (Marathi) – Winner of the Goa Kala Academy Award. Itihasachya Drishtikonatun Gomantakatil Marathi Paramparacha Udgam va Vikas (Marathi). Athwani Mhazhya Karavasachya Kalya Nilya Pannyacha (Marathi) – An autobiography detailed his time in Angola.

Awards and accolades In recognition of his contributions to the freedom struggle, the Government of India awarded him the Tamra Patra in 1973. The Government of Goa honored him on 18 June (Goa Revolution Day). Additionally, he was conferred the title of 'Rashtraveer' at the 13th session of the All India Freedom Fighters Committee in Sarnath. The Government of India also recognised his contributions to a book on the origin and development of Marathi language.