NO OFFICIAL FUNCTION FOR OPINION POLL DAY?
IT IS with a heavy heart that I have to write to our niz Goenkars that the government of Goa didn’t observe Opinion Poll day this year officially, which is a shame for Goans. Three English Goan newspapers have carried articles on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the Opinion Poll, in which doctor turned politician Dr Jack de Sequeira through his fluent rhetoric and charismatic personality, guided Goans to an emphatic victory for the anti-merger forces. So as to preserve Goa’s social, cultural and unique identity.
Thus, Dr Jack de Sequeira by sheer dint of his mammoth contribution towards making Goa an unique entity, should be considered as the Father of the Opinion Poll and the architect of Goa’s unique identity. The day also happens to be the feast of Pe. Jose Vaz and many Goans considered it as a blessing that Pe. Jose Vaz showered on Goans to realize the dream of a separate state on this particular day.
The chronology of events is as follows. First came the Liberation of Goa in 1961, then the Opinion Poll in 1967, and then the Statehood Day on May 30, 1987. Without having got an unique identity Goa would not have become a state but only a district of Maharashtra. Every year we read in the newspapers that niz Goenkars abroad, especially in the UK as well as other countries where they reside to earn their living, celebrate Opinion Poll Day with much fanfare.
It is thus disheartening that the government of Goa has not organized an official celebration to observe the 58th anniversary of the Opinion Poll.
–Stephen Dias, Dona Paula, Goa.
GOA LOSES LEGAL EAGLE
IN THE passing of our Margao-based advocate, Fortunato De Melo, Goa has lost a very distinguished and extremely knowledgeable legal eagle. Always so very affable and down to earth, ever so gregarious, he lived life to the fullest.
He was unique as an advocate in being fair, ensuring that no undue injustice was done to any opponent. He was blunt and never ever minced his words, while never compromising on values and principles. His sense of humour was always at its very best. He was unique and one of his kind. Above all, a kind and committed humanitarian with a wealth of legal knowledge and far reaching experience that he possessed. His relaxed disposition should be an inspiration to law students and legal practitioners.
I had the privilege of knowing this great human being, since my days as a student and over the decades that followed. Though being 15 years younger we always gelled well. In the last few years we had some heart-to-heart interactions over many issues which hopefully we can continue when we meet in that other world.
Goa will miss the suave, very knowledgeable and extremely outspoken Advocate Fortunato De Melo. May his departed soul rest in eternal peace.
–Aires Rodrigues, London
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
AS Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 we have to look into helping couples who have broken down, due to some misunderstanding or parental pressure, and are now living separated or lonely lives, and have developed some sort of addiction, and have gone into depression leading them to developing suicidal tendencies.
As Valentine’s Day is a day of love, family and friends, we must look into helping and consoling the lonely ones and try to bring them into the fold of family and friends…uniting all so that all may celebrate a happy Valentine’s Day!
–Cajetan Peter D’Souza, Mumbai