G O A

One of the persons contesting the coming Zilla Parishad Election on 18^th of this month will be Baba Kerker unofficially backed by Congress Party, he is the Congressman being the President of Calangute Block Congress – I Committee. Being a Congressman there is every possibility for him to imitate his local boss in playing all the dirty games once elected though he may act upright. However, even then I as a voter and concerned constituent of Calangute Constituency would like to pose some questions to Kerker before deciding to vote for him. It is not me alone but along with me there are many who also would like to pose these questions to Kerker.

1: Like your local boss, if you are elected, would you act vindictive against those whom you suspect not voted for you?

2: Like your local boss, if you are elected, would you act like a proud Saddam Hussein with the impression that you won not one Seat in your constituency but the entire world?

3: Like your local boss, if you are elected, would you demand bribe for the public services you are going to render?

4: Like your boss, if you are elected, would you act like a local Dada inculcating fear into the minds of the locals?

5: Like your boss, if you are elected, would you indulge in all round corruption even to the point of practicing immorality?

6: Like your boss, if you are elected, would you like to support the Ghanttis in the locality against the locals?

7: Like your boss, if you are elected, would you act as a godfather general of the Ghanttis in your village Candolim?

8: Tell us before the voting day your Manifesto to know you and accordingly we will decide whether to elect you or not.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.

Today at Mapusa in front of the Civil and Criminal Court, at 9.30 AM a Dharna was held in protest against the continuation of her duty when the Judge Dvijple Patkar was charge sheeted for, reportedly committing an offence against one of her family members. When the Dharna was in progress, the accused Judge Dvijple Patkar was performing her duty in the Court delivering judgment, ironically when she was found guilty for committing an offence.

Judiciary at Mapusa

One section of the attendees

Whether she is really guilty or not will be decided by the competent authority but filing a charge sheet against her spoils her image as an upright person to perform her duty judiciously. Even in the eyes of the Lawyers her image will be very small now compared to her mighty judicial post. In such a situation, it would have been better for her to submit her resignation or go on long leave or for the concerned authority to dismiss her from the service because her image as an upright person is already tarnished which is very bad for the smooth and upright functioning of the judiciary. By all means she must remain “above suspicion” in the eyes of everyone.

Poster of Judge Patkar

Today’s Dharna conducted under the leadership of Adv. Aires Rodrigues made mockery of the judiciary in Goa. If there is Dharna like this against a functioning Judge then what is the integrity of Judiciary in Goa? Thru this Dharna the Judiciary in Goa was brought to the level of a Fish Market when passersby on the main road were laughing at the whole scene. It was very sad to see such a pathetic state of affairs of our Bharati Judicial system.

Another section of attendees

The Dharna was attended by over a hundred people from different segments of the society including some Gulf returnees namely Miranda of AVC from Kuwait and this writer. They all were ferocious in their continued slogans such as: EK DO - EK DO – PATKAR FEK DO. HAI-HAI-HAI - PATKAR CHUHA HAI.

Aires addressing

Before ending the proceedings, the leader of this move Adv. Aires Rodrigues speaking to the gathering asked the concerned authorities to dismiss Patkar from her service to uphold the dignity of the Judiciary.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel:7507394349.

“Jezuchem Povitr Rogot” Tiatro I saw it in Candolim on 19^th of this month in the Church School Compound at 8.15 PM tough the scheduled time was 7.30 PM and it was well attended by the Tiiatro lovers.

Annie Quadros sings solo

The writer and director of this Tiatro Simon Gonsalves deserves compliments for bringing out a good Tiatro in this season, in fact it is one of the best Tiatros so far I saw in this season. Simon Gonsalves is a seasoned Tiatrist who spent many years in Kuwait where he not only acted in the Tiatros staged by many directors but also in his own Tiatros he staged in Kuwait much to the satisfaction of the Tiatro goers. As a Tiatrist by playing different character roles and singing good songs composed by him only he earned name and fame for him.

Carmen & Simon Gonsalves in road scene

His other speciality is introducing very good scenes in his Tiatros, not only in his Tiatros but even helping other directors in introducing attractive scenes in their Tiatros. To beautify the Tiatros with very good scenes was his top speciality and the late Rosary Ferns was one of the best beneficiaries of this talent of Simon Gonsalves in Kuwait. One of the reasons for his Tiatro “Jezuchem Povitr Rogot” to become so famous in so short time was the introductions of beautiful scenes. He is very artistic in this particular field. After the late Prem Kumar, I can easily rate Simon Gonsalves as the best director in this art.

Jr. Nelson sings solo

After working in Kuwait for a number of years he migrated to UK where he is now settled down with his family but regularly visits Goa on holidays. During this holiday he staged this Tiatro which is very educative as far as family disciplines are concerned. Though it is more on the passions and sufferings of Jesus Christ yet I found it equally important in the matter of family life. It tells you how you must maintain your family life once you are married. It shows you the bad consequences resulted on your children if the wedded couple splits. This is where this Tiatro scores more marks and it is a must stage in every village in Goa because in every village such splits are occurred either intentionally or unintentionally but resulting in the disorderly behavioral impact on their children.

One of the Scenes

In many of our villages including in my own village in Candolim there are so many such scenes shamelessly exhibited by some shameless married couples. Some of them are regular Church goers and recipients of holy Communion yet great lovers of broken marriages because of this their children are suffering. Worst part of it is this that the local Priests attached to the village Churches are keeping their silence when they as priests got all the rights to take corrective steps even punitive measures. But instead many of our Pe. Vigars and Pe. Curs are flirting with such marriage deserters who are living in perpetual sins. It is a great honour for some Tiatrists like Simon Gonsalves to do what priests cannot do. It must be noted very well that those who are deserting their spouses finally face most miserable, most pitiable and most sorrowful end.

Saby de Divar sings solo

Some are taking recourse in official divorces. Divorces from where? From the Altinho Church purchased from Aldona Padri? Only the “Rostad” Padris are encouraging and promoting divorces. We must know one thing that there is no divorce in our system because it is said that “marriages are made in heaven” and as such “what is made in Heaven no power on earth can break it”.

R. Benaulim & Ignatius sing duo

Since this Tiatro is going to be staged elsewhere I desist from giving details of it but request everyone to see it because it is worth seeing and request the director next time to introduce at least one Motet in such Tiatros. However, I highlight the roles played by evergreen heroine Annie Quadros, Simon Gonsalves, both the young boys, Juzu and Carmeen. In the comedy roles, both the ace comedians Agostinho and Selvy as usual did justice to their roles.

Trio of Juzu- Saby de Divar-Jr. Nelson

In the side show songs, Jr. Nelson, Annie Quadros, Rosario de Benaulim and Saby de Divar rendered good solos while Ignatius de Xelvon and Rosario de Benaulim rendered a good duo and a Trio by Jr. Nelson-Juzu-Felix de Divar.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.

Protest Meet at Baga, Calangute, in solidarity with the Retreat House situated at hilltop Baga, Calangute, Bardez, Goa.

Speakers seated at the dais

In a show of strong solidarity with Baga Retreat House in particular and Church in general, a huge crowd coming not only from Baga and Calangute only but also from the neighbouring villages namely from Candolim, Arpora, Nagoa, Parra and Sinquerim attended the public Meeting held at Baga, Calangute, today at 11.30 AM to protest over the illegal construction of road hampering the stability of the Baga Retreat House. It is illegal because it encroaches upon the property owned by other Party. The director of the Retreat House openly disclosed that he or none from the Jezuit House has given permission to the person from Arpora to construct this road illegally which will endanger the Baga Hillock and may not only damage the Retreat House but it may also collapse.

A section of the crowd attending the Meet

The beautiful Baga Retreat House was built by the Jezuits in 1953 and it is now like one of the Heritage Monuments and as such it should be protected by everyone. In view of this today’s meet to protest over the illegal road construction by the Arpora man with the backing of his BJP minister friend as given to understand, was attended by all segments of Goan society and not by Catholics only. Moreover, this Meet was also addressed not only by the Catholics but also by the non-Christians.

Another view of attendees

It was a galaxy of speakers including priests namely Pe. Vigars from Calangute and Candolim, Rector of Baga Retreat House, Rector of Bom Jesus Basilica, local MLA Michael Lobo, newly elected ZP Member Shawn Martins, Arpora Sarpanch, Adv. Aires Rodrigues and others. All the priests spoke well like statesman lending their full support to get justice done, so too the others. It was an unanimous condemnation for the illegalities going on against the Baga Retreat House and full support for it not only from all the speakers but also from everyone who attended this Meet in solidarity with the cause of Jezuits of Baga Rereat House.

Illegal construction

It was very much shocking to know that the mischief maker from Arpora is a Catholic. It looks my enemy is within me only. How sad it is !! Judas sold Jesus for few Coins and we sell our religion for what? To acquire thousands, lakhs and millions? To take it where? To the grave where our kings are eagerly waiting for us to feast on our dead bodies? Why we fail to realize that “dust we are and unto dust we will return?”.

Seen speaking Fr. Robin, Candolim Pe. Vigar

While on this subject, I remember one more mischief done to Baga Retreat House in late sixties when Hippies illegally took possession of this Retreat House and converted it into a den of vices including illicit sex. They were directed to this holy place by one half mad Goan, Tomy by name who later on died a very miserable death.

Michael Lobo seen speaking

When these Hippies who were about a hundred refused to vacate this House, me and a few College Boys from Calangute some of them were Hindus, went to vacate them by our youthful physical power, we tried to force them out but suddenly their number swelled outnumbering us.

Adv. Aires Rodrigues

In view of this, they came with Sticks and other weapons to hit us, targeting me the first but by the grace of God we were saved due to our escaping hurriedly from there. Later on after a few days, some of those Hippies became mad while some others were afflicted with some deadly deseases and a few of them died miserably. Then everybody said “they were punished by devine punishment.

Shawn Martins speaking

The lesson to derive from this truth: “NEVER PLAY MISCHIEF WITH DEVINE PLACES” because as it is said in Konkani: “DEVACHEA MARANK AVAZ NA”.

Seen speaking Arpora Sarpanch

Calangute Pe. Vigar, Fr. Cypriano Dias

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel:7507394349.

Yesterday, on 23^rdof this month, I attended the “Remembering Tiatr Artistes of Yesteryears” Meet held at Tiatr Academy in Panjim, starting at 4.20 PM. It was very thinly attended by the attendees, some of them were close friends and relatives of the dead artistes.

Photos of the Tiatrits remembered

Total number of artistes remembered was 14, some of them were the wizards of Konkani Stage, namely J.P. Souzalin, Anthony D’Sa, Aristedes Dias, Alen D’Costa, Dioginho D’Melo, Greg de Candolim and Antonete de Calangute. The persons who described them and their works were M. Jude Gracias and William Fernandes, both these faces are too common on this platform. According to my information, this is the paid job since Tiatr Academy of Goa is granted financial aid by the Goa government.

L - R: William,Gracias, Joerose & TAG Member

I have been attending these functions since a year now but never had I seen any speaker describing the philosophy of the artistes they speak of. Neither have they quoted any attractive verse of their memorable song. Just borrowing some details from history books and describing the artistes will not help. Since it is a paid job, next time TAG must make arrangement to get best of speakers having best of knowledge to talk on the subset because TAG is financed by the government from the money derived from the public.

Mrs. Perry

From the audience, one lady the wife of the late Patrick Perry came to the Mike to thank the TAG and expressed herself saying though she was opposing her husband yet she realized his greatness after his death.

J.P.Fernandes recites a poem in praise of Anil Kumar

One member of the audience, Mr. J. P.Fernandes read a Poetry he composed especially in praise of the late Anil Kumar.

One minute silence was observed in memory of the recent death of young Tiatrist boy D.J. Gracias.

Ms Fatima was presented a memento on behalf of TAG for the contribution of the late Anil Kumar in the promotion of Konkani Stage.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

The results of the recently concluded Zilla Parishad election gave a stunning blow to the Congress Party in Goa though it officially did not contest the election. In the constituencies where Congress contested unofficially but backing their candidates from behind the curtain, it was a big humiliation for Congress Party headed by Goa’s prodigal son Luizinho Faleiro who in the name of Italian born naturalized Indian citizen Sonia Gandhi is trying to revive the prospects of the Congress Party in Goa. According to my observation, even if hundred more Luizinho Faleiros try their best to revive the hopes of Congress Party in Goa, nothing will change. It is a pity that this oldest party is facing extinction from the scene not only in Goa but all over in India as well.

In my Calangute constituency voters thought a very good lesson to Congress Party by sending its unofficially fielded candidate reeling down the canvas to the third position though a few hours before the election results, the local Congress leader foolishly predicted victory for his candidate. This action the voters have taken only to silence the revengeful voice of the Calangute Congress leader and not against the candidate who became an innocent victim of the sin of vindictiveness of his boss.

In view of this heavy defeat for Congress candidate the rating of Congress Party on the Barometer indicates that the revival prospects of Congress Party in Calangute constituency is Nil. However, if any hope of revival is to come, it should come only by discarding the defeated, vindictive and arrogant leader from the constituency. He was responsible for Congress Party’s defeat in the last general election because people from the Constituency disliked his vindictive nature towards those whom he suspected to be his political opponents. While he was in power people were living in fear because of his vindictive nature when he should not be vindictive because he was elected not to take revenge on his opponents but to serve all judiciously. Thru this defeat people indicated that vindictiveness, arrogance, revenge, corruption, bribe taking and womanizing will not be tolerated any more.

Being a Congressman myself from my student days, I feel hurt to see the Congress Party in Goa reaching to such ebb. This has happened only because the affairs and leaderships of Congress Party in our villages and Constituencies have gone into the hands of wrong persons who are ignorant of genuine Congress culture, tradition and history. Most of the current Congress Party leaders in Goa are fake Congressmen who embraced Congress Party only for their personal gains. With such Congressmen in Congress Party fold, the Party will never revive its prospects in Goa. When John Fernandes took over the leadership of Congress Party in Goa it looked everything will move smoothly but when he was dethroned things started moving in the opposite direction and if Luizin Faleiro does not act straight with corrupt people in the Party, I am sure he will make a total disaster of Congress Party in Goa. For this end Luizin Faleiro alone will be held responsible.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

It is with deep regret and chagrin that I write this piece to indicate my total disappointment over the crisis AAP is undergoing now in Delhi. When AAP came into existence we had great hope that it will spread its wings not only in Delhi but also all over India to give clean and upright administration as per the aspirations of the citizens of India.But within a short time the aspirations of the people turned into nothing when its leadership failed to shoulder its responsibility responsibly by resigning abruptly of course to the disappointment of all the followers of AAP.

Still people stood by AAP again and gave AAP a resounding victory in its last election to rule Delhi with absolute majority. While APP enjoyed absolute majority its followers in Goa danced on the streets with white AAP “Topi” thinking that in Goa too we will have similar revolution because people in Goa are totally dejected by the poor showing of BJP and all other political outfits. Unfortunately, due to the internal bickering in the AAP in Delhi among the party stalwarts, the high expectations of the people have gone down. In view of this, who else in India can save the people from the clutches of corrupt and cruel politicians? I think AAP was the last and the best hope for Indians to get uncorrupt and upright people to rule India but that hope too vanished now. In view of this, on whom now Indians will rely to get good people to rule in India?

In India, we have great stalwarts but none to rule India appropriately. Some are meant only to win the elections while others to be very good in the oppositions but none to rule as per the aspirations of the people. Under the great leadership of Gandhian Jayprakash Narain, Janata Party came into existence with high hopes to change India from worst to the best but within a short period Morarjee Desai’s government collapsed like a pack of cards thereby killing all the high hopes of Indians for better days. This happened only because of the selfish greed for power of a few Janata Party leaders.

Then came the political force in India under the leadership of another Gandhian, Anna Hazare who totally shook the Congress Party in India in general and in Delhi in particular. As an offshoot of Anna’s movement, AAP was born and captured power in Delhi not once but twice but both the times failed the aspirations of the people not only of those who elected AAP to power but also of those who were expecting AAP will turn into a savior for millions of Indians who are the victims of the maladministration of the current politicians.

It is a very sad story of AAP happenings in Delhi now. It was never expected from them to fight like this and thru this fight AAP leaders in Delhi totally killed the high hopes people had in AAP. While the ugly events are taking place in Delhi, the AAP stalwarts in Goa cannot remain as silent spectators, they must raise their voice in unison loudly and openly too against what is happening in Delhi now, they must air their concern over the events taking place in AAP at Delhi. AAP has to be purified and if necessary in Gandhian style AAP stalwarts and supporters in Goa must conduct a daylong fast at Panaji to pray for AAP leaders in Delhi to bury their selfish ambitions and have a peace among all its members. AAP by all means has to surive because it is the last hope for Indians to get better leaders and better governance.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

Pradeep Naik

One of the best Konkani Stage artistes one can find now is none other than Pradeep Naik from Carambolim Goa. His character roles in different directors’ Tiatros create very impressive image of his Tiatro art though because of his busy work schedule at Art and Culture Dept., Government of Goa at Panaji where he is employed, he acts only in limited Tiatros especially after studying the suitability of the roles he is offered by the directors. The recent magnificent role he played of a father in the Tiatro “Pai” of Comedian Agostinho is one of the most memorable roles he played in his career so far, as at least I have noticed. Precisely because of this extraordinary feat he was awarded the best actor award.

Pradeep Naik seen as Portuguese Official in Goa

According to Pradeep Naik, it was by accident that he entered the Konkani Tiatro Stage starting from the very early age when he was schooling at Morjim but now he enjoys every bit of it. Having in the family his grandfather as expert in the drama art being a well-known director, he taught the young Pradeep the art of acting in the dramas. Later on as a young boy he shifted his residence to Carambolim where actually he was groomed in the art of Tiatro though earlier he was already established himself as one of the best Marathi Drama artistes. It is here in Marathi Dramas that he polished his drama art and later on applied this talent to Konkani Tiatros. It is because of their earlier background in acting in Marathi dramas that many of our Hindu artistes maintain their perfection on Tiatro Stage, Pradeep Naik being a Hindu is one such perfectionist.

Pradeep Naik seen as Shenoy Goembab

At the age of 18 according to Pradeep, he acted first time in Tiatro at Carambolim and later on got a chance to show his talent in the competitive Tiatro Festivals at Kala Academy, Panjim where in the Tiatro “Zoitachi Ek Bukh” he won the best actor award. As a matter of pride, he won 4 times best actor award in the competitions at Kala Academy, Panjim. Then onwards, there was no stopping for Pradeep as innumerable directors started offering him different roles in their Tiatros. Some of the directors who inducted Pradeep in their Tiatros were Comedian Domnic, Mariano Fernandes, Fr. Neville, Francis de Tuem and Comedian Agostinho.

Pradeep Naik in one of the Tiatros

During the yesteryears, Tiatrists like Tony Sax, Anthony D’Sa, C. Alvares, Prem Kumar and Conception were great stalwarts of Konkani Stage who were known to play character roles with topmost precision. And currently I can rightly include Pradeep Naik in that bracket since he belongs to that great class of yesteryears greats. Pradeep Naik’s delivery is perfect with very good clarity, dress code is very appropriate, body language very well and positioning himself on the stage is superb. In the current crop of Tiatrists I don’t see any artiste like Pradeep Naik who can rise to any height in performing great character roles.

Pradeep Naik receiving National Kala Bushan Award 2015

Academically being a University graduate, besides winning innumerable awards and prizes by acting in Konkani and Marathi dramas, Pradeep Naik is also known to be a good journalist and an established Anchor. A young man having lot of humility, he is a very humble and decent human being minus any pride. Such humane qualities are rarely seen in many of our current Tiatrists. His charisma is his charismatic natural smile ever existing on his face and that attracts people towards him. One of the major reasons according to Pradeep to reach to the top ladder of Tiatro acting is the strong support he receives from his wife who is very encouraging and also from his young daughter.

Pradeep Naik 2nd from left along with his colleagues

As a Tiatrist he travelled many parts of the world including the Gulf and UK and as matter of interest he received warm welcome from Goans there either from the Stage or beyond. He found this attitude of Goans especially of Tiatro fans unique and for which he feels very much indebted to Tiatro fans. He also praised his Tiatro colleagues for welcoming him in their midst with open arms without doing any discrimination. He feels he is totally integrated in Tiatro fraternity by becoming a part of it.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

Seen above is beautiful Jessica singing

On 1^st of this month, Wednesday, I saw the Tiatro “Devachem Devak Diyat” in Panjim at Kala Academy A/C Hall, written and directed by Fr. Nevell Gracias. This was the golden Jubilee Show attended by special invitee as Chief Guest the “Vigar Geral” of Goa Fr. Jose Remedios Fernandes. Otherwise, it was attended by a less number of attendees and one could easily notice very many empty chairs in the hall. From the proceedings one could also notice that it was a low budget venture as it consisted of small cast missing some of the heavyweights of Konkani Stage.

Comedian Domnick beautifully singing his solo

Fr. Nevell whom I first time met in Kuwait a few years back when he came to visit Kuwait whence he participated in the best and the last Tiatro of late Rosary Ferns, “Kuwait Soddun Vetana”. His mission is to spread the gospel of Christ thru Tiatro just as J.P.Souzalin did when he was alive. In this Tiatro of Rosary Ferns, Fr. Nevell played a small but beautiful role of a priest winning hearts of many in the audience.

Felcy seen singing her solo

Thru my immense publicity in the local newspapers in Kuwait, the international community surprisingly came to know of this Goan priest acting in Dramas. Because of this wide coverage he became a hero in Kuwait not in the eyes of God but in the eyes of human beings. But later on as it looked to me, he had to put extra strain on his eyes to recognize me. At least with strainful eyes he recognized me but some “Rostad Padris” who enjoyed my benefits from Kuwait never even hallowed me while in Goa for good. Like most of the politicians, many of the Padris are become first class “Beiman”. When they come to Kuwait for their gains, they approach you as slaves but once they fulfilled their goal, they act as masters and on top of it they claim to be the followers of Jesus Christ. By going against the doctrine of Christ they crucify Jesus again and again.

A scene where Jogle & Rosario Botelho are seen

The Tiatro “Devachem Devak Diyat” is fully filled with Christian doctrine, not only the main play but also the side show songs as well. It would have been a bit better if some side show songs were based on topics different from religion as J.P. Souzalin used to do during those days. For this reason J.P. Souzalin became more successful not only in attracting more audience for his religious Tiatros but also in spreading the message of Christ to greater number of audience.

A duet of Semeca & comedian Bachan

The artistes who took part in this Tiatro have performed their roles well especially Jogle as a priest, Rosario Botelho as a Psycho, both the comedian brothers Domnic and Luis Bachan, Sameca and the beauty of Konakni Stage Jessica, this time not as a young heroine but as an old mother. It was surprising to see her for the first time playing this type of role so appropriately by hiding her natural beauty and youthful attractive looks and yet performing the role of a mother so well.

Chief Guest seen speaking. Next to him is Fr. Nevell

The role of a priest played by a Hindu artiste Jogle is to be admired especially when he is a Hindu. Elsewhere we saw how another Hindu artiste Tari playing the role of a priest so well. Luis Bachan’s overdoing of comedy role has to be trimmed a bit especially when the scene required seriousness.

Beauties of Konkani Stage Felcy & Jessica

While concluding the message the audience got was this: “Do not criticize the priest because he is in place of Jesus Christ”. I do not agree with this message. With the exception of a very few holy priests, the rest are not good and as such to say so is not a sin. These “not good” priests are a black mark not only on Christ but also on His wonderful doctrine. Today the image of Christianity is damaged only because of the corrupt and worldly priests who for the sake of money and sex like politicians will stoop to any low.

Seen are Jogle and Jessica

The main theme of the play is to give God what must go to God and to the King what belonged to the King stressing on the point that we must give to God 10% of our earnings. Islam said 2% which is called “Zakat” but for the good cause and not for the Mullas to spend this amount recklessly. Today there is no account of the money given to the Church in the name of God and in view of this there is fear that this money is misused by the priests for sinful purposes like buying luxurious cars, keeping innumerable concubines, for drinks and drugs, for luxury sex trips to Far East and for other sinful activities. God does not require money.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.

Seen above is the news item appeared in Herald of 4.4.15.

I was deeply shocked and disturbed to read the sad news in Goa's daily dated 04.04.15 of “closure of Sesa Football Academy”. After closure of its soccer team a few years back, the great name of the great sport called Soccer was still glorified by Sesa by establishing its Foot-ball Academy thereby continuing Sesa’s service in the development of soccer in Goa. Once upon a time Sesa soccer team was a name and fame, not only in Goa but all over India as well. It was officially initiated and formed in 1965 when Sesa Goa registered itself in the second division League tournament conducted by Goa Football Association in the Bardez segment. Having failed to qualify for first division in the inception year under the skippership of Andrew Machado, it recruited some of the best players for its second attempt in 1966 to enter into the first division under the captaincy of Jose Marie Fernandes. Mr. Conzen the great promoter and lover of Soccer, a German national working for Sesa at Sircaim, was the brain behind the formation of Sesa soccer team.

I was then as a young Arpora school boy was one of the recruits of Sesa, Herculano Dourado as a young Bastora College boy was another who along with me was recruited on contract basis only to play football while the rest of the players were all employees of Sesa company. In that year we came out first putting Mazagon Dock, Vasco to the second spot and thus we as a mighty team qualified into senior division. That year we had good coaching under the Patiala qualified coach Mr. Iqbal who was a very strict disciplinarian and tactician too. It was because of his coaching that I became in that year fastest runner of Goa and also an individual champion of Goa at All Goa Interschool Athletics Meet. During that time to play for the mighty Sesa soccer team means like now playing for Real Madrid. It was honour and prestige to play for Sesa Goa then.

It is me, Anthony Veronica Fernandes with Trophies in running as sprinter.

When we entered the senior division, Sesa was the mighty team and in its first year itself in the senior division Sesa won the League championship. Immediately we were invited to participate in the outstation tournaments mainly in the South where Sesa won many tournaments. Within a short time Sesa became a household name in the South and some of its footballers were not only loved by the local fans there but were also mobbed even in the market places.

During those days Sesa Goa was the mighty team in Goa having in its rank some of the finest players of Goa, overwhelming majority of them being Goans as Sesa’s European top management preferred Goans only. Some of the best players who played for Sesa during that period along with me were the striking duo of Albino Fernandes of Merces and the late Visitacao Lobo from Parra who later on became the second Goan after Menino Figueredo of Salgaocar to represent India, in Soviet Russia. There is no brainy striker came into Goan soccer scene after Visitacao Lobo and there was none like Albino in Goa who could rattle the opponents’ bar with his power packed right footer. Both of them were the precious jewels of Goan soccer of that era and also the darlings of soccer fans.

The team Sesa Goa was the solace not only for the players of Bardez but also from other parts of Goa providing them opportunities not only to play soccer and create name and fame for them in Goa and elsewhere but also providing them opportunities in getting permanent employment as Sesa were the biggest employers of Goan manpower.

I feel the good work Sesa did for Goan boys in developing them as fine footballers should not come to an end. The government of Goa and the interested organizations and individuals must try to convince the Sesa Goa management to review its decision for the good of Goan soccer. The drought of finance for Sesa will not remain permanently as we are already assured of the restarting of Mining in Goa shortly. Finance will surely come again but once Sesa Academy is closed, it will remain closed forever. This should not happen.

The impact Sesa Goa created on Goan soccer during the last so many years was so great that its legacy should not be allowed to die an instant death. Since Sesa Goa from the time of Portuguese rule in Goa minted money by excavating minerals from Goan soil and land, the same mighty Sesa Goa must continue to help the sons of this soil and land to develop as fine footballers. As a gratitude to Goa from where it gained so much of wealth, Sesa Goa must continue on developing Goan soccer. Sesa Goa at this juncture must not abandon its responsibilities towards Goans.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

Jr. Sylvester Vaz sings opening solo.

On 8th of this month I saw the new Tiatro “REPORTER” by Francis de Tuem at Pai Tiatrist Hall, Margao, starting at 3.35 pm and it was attended by the capacity crowd comprising 1000 + attendees. Though this is just the beginning yet the flood of crowd attending this show indicates the name and fame of the director who when after a brief period of working in Kuwait returned to Goa, some Goans in Kuwait made comments that he should not return but stay in Kuwait and make some money. It was a very wise decision of Francis de Tuem to say bi-bi to Kuwait because his need in Goa is imperative where he can fight for Goan causes from the Stage and in the bargain he can also make some money. Success is his, thanks to Lucasinho Ribeiro who initiated this art of Tiatro for others to follow and create progressive changes in our society besides getting plenty of popularity for them.

A scene where Reporter interviews Davlikar

A few months back I was interviewed by one American lady based in Bangalore, she was the representative of “Yahoo” in India. When she requested me for an Interview on Tiatro and Tiatrists, I asked her how she knows me. She replied, Yahoo people are keeping abreast of this subject by reading my articles and reviews in Goa-Kranti and other sites on Internet. Since Yahoo prepares some papers on Tiatro and Tiatrists, I was selected with the impression that I am a knowledgeable person in this field. During the course of an interview, she asked me the standing of Francis de Tuem the Goan political singer. This indicates that the image of Francis de Tuem is spread even at international level. It was a very proud moment for me to know the image of Goan Tiatrists rattling not only at Goa level but also at global level. This is the power of Tiatro and Tiatrists.

Seen Francis de Tuem singing his political solo

The Tiatro “Reporter” is fully revolved around political arena where the focus of attention is a lady Reporter enacted nicely by Anita. In this episode, there are latest interviews even on the subject of Bikini and Convent School. The role of Dawlikar played by the artiste was very interesting and appropriate. The majestic role of a majestic politician played by ever shining Aplon is to be appreciated, so too of Sylvester Vaz. The comedy roles played by all the comedians deserve highest compliments though they are all new faces, at least to me.

Duo of father and son - Sylvester Vaz

Among the songs that deserve special mention here are of Sylvester Vaz’s solo, a duo by Marcus Vaz along with his yesteryears Tiatrist father Master Vaz, Francis de Tuem’s solo and a duo by Sylvester Vaz and his son.

One more scene

Since this Tiatro is going to be staged almost all over Goa, I desist from giving details of the entire story but suggest everyone to watch this Tiatro because it is worth watching.

Well done Francis de Tuem.

Father & Son duo - Master Vaz & Marcus

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.

Seen above the new Bridge, both sides.

The new Bridge at Arpora – Calangute was inaugurated by the Defence Minister of India Mr. Manohar Parrikar on Friday, 10^th of this month in the presence of a large gathering of villagers from neighbouring villages namely Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Arpora, Nagoa, Baga and Parra. The main dignitaries who attended this function were the Chief Minister of Goa Mr. Parsenkar, PWD Minister Sudin Dhavlikar, local MLA Michael Lobo, former Pe. Cur of Candolim and now the current Pe. Vigar of Calangute Church Fr. Cypriano D’Silva and others. Missing on the scene were Calangute Panchayat representatives. Since this Bridge is linking Arpora with Calangute, the representative of Calangute Panchayat would have given a better look at the inauguration function.

Seen above is new Bridge, one side.

The old Bridge was in bad condition since a long time now, even during my schooling days at Arpora when for 8 years every day I was crossing this Bridge from Candolim on my Cycle. Almost every successive MLA from the point of first MLA Mr. J.M.D’Souza promised to do something for this Bridge but everybody failed. Where everybody failed the current MLA Michael Lobo with perseverance and hard work succeeded in giving the new parallel Bridge.

Seen above Michael Lobo & Dhavalikar

Luckily Mr. Lobo succeeded because his party BJP is ruling in Goa but similarly during the two terms of former defeated Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes, his party Congress was also ruling in Goa and yet he failed. This proves the dynamism and efficiency of Lobo in satisfying the needs of the constituents. In Calangute constituency roads have been repaired and done beautifully especially in the segments where the local Panchayats lent their full support to the local MLA. Road developments have been hampered only in the segments where the local Panchayats created hurdles for the local MLA to proceed smoothly.

Seen attendees

I admire MLA Michael Lobo for his drive in developing his constituency but would not accept it as a favour from him nor from his ruling party BJP. It was Lobo’s duty to fulfill his promise and that he did fulfill this promise is a great feat.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

On Wednesday, 8^th of this month in Panjim at Kala Academy Hall, I saw the new Tiatro “KAXANVKAR” written and directed by Prince Jacob, starting at 7.35 PM. It was well attended by the crowd though some empty Chairs were visible

Annie Quadros on her solo.

Though the story is very simple and to pen down it one does not require high MinguelRodian caliber yet it was very meaningful and to make it so, surely one requires PremKumarian skill in projecting it and in directing it. And just because Prince Jacob has these qualities he made this Tiatro very interesting where he gives total adoration for traditional and ancestral home business which he stresses the present generation must follow. How this is brought into reality one can see by watching this Tiatro “KAXANVKAR”.

Valency in romantic scene

The young girl from Calangute Miss Valency stole more show by displaying her real qualities of a young and matured artiste. Her dress code was excellently attractive, delivery was very clear and singing was good. Jose’s role of a brother was very good as usual and Edel was on top of the Ladder in his role of a boyfriend/fiancé of Valency. It was a very attractive and romantic pair.

One more scene

However, the major credit for the success of this Tiatro goes to veteran but still youthful and attractive Annie Quadros who this time played the role of a mother. In this role to make it very appropriate, she displayed all the required qualities very meticulously. As usual, both the comedian brothers Prince Jacob and Humbert shouldered the responsibility of performing comedy roles, of course to the satisfaction of the audience.

Cajetan de Curtorim on his solo

In the side show songs though there was no strong push to rise to the expected level yet every singer made an attempt to impress upon the audience but Cajetan de Curtorim, Annie Quadros, Ignatius de Xelvonn, Prince Jacob & Humbert and Valency each put an extra effort to satisfy the audience.

Yet another scene: Valency in Center.

As a whole, the audience liked this Tiatro and Prince Jacob as usual succeeded in giving something new to the audience for which I applaud Prince Jacob and his troupe.

Ignatius de Xelvon on his solo.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.

It was somewhere in the first week of February 1989 when the Film crew headed by the then top Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan directly descended on Candolim Church, ”Our Lady Hope”, Police gheraoed the Church and Amitabh Bachchan hijacked the sanctuary of the Church.. With the brute mighty support of the local Police Force, the top actor along with the filming crew entered the Church and closed all the main Doors of the Church which were strongly guarded by the Policemen from outside denying entry inside and around to any concerned villager. Still somebody from the village sneaked inside the Church and tried to ring the main Bell to gather the faithful for some emergency in the Church. When Police noticed this, they went to brutally assault him.

When someone else from the village thru the back door entered the Church, he saw the crew filming the wedding scene vulgarly and Amitabh Bachchan sitting cross-legged in a vulgar pose with a cigarette in his mouth while the Confessional was shifted next to the Tabernacle without any respect for the sanctity of the Church.

When the locals gathered in big number surprisingly they found both the Pe. Vigar Santimano and the Pe. Cur Cypriano D’Silva missing from the Church. It was alleged that they have granted the permission for this filming without proper authorization from the higher authority for a price. How much? Some said in thousands while others said in lakhs.

Immediately the next day this news appeared in the local daily Herald forcing one local Congressman on behalf of Parish Council to deny many facts of this news which almost everyone rubbished it as worthless though earlier as per the information the same Congressman encouraged some locals to make a big noise against this vulgar filming in the Church. Some villagers even said that along with both the priests, he was also purchased by the Film director because as we know very well that the 3 P’s, namely Priests, Police and Politicians are purchasable commodities.

Today we see many corrupt politicians who earlier supported corruption when they had power in their hands are rotting now as worthless pimps because they are now like fish out of water. While, priests who proved to be corrupt and traitors like both the then Candolim Church priests should be condemned. This type of priests are worst than Judas who for the sake of money will do anything. When the matter of money comes, most of the priests are capable of doing anything even selling the house of God as it happened below my nose because the big boss at Altinho is least bothered, what he wants is his regular supply of money. The greater the supply the greater the extention of Pe. Vigar’s term in the Church even though that Pe. Vigar is a nuisance for the faithful as some around my vicinity.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

Yesterday in the evening I had a nice opportunity to attend the Meet at Xaviers Research Center, Porvorim, starting at 6.00 PM. This Meet was also attended by a class of intellectuals. This Meet was organized to mark the 100^th birthday of the late Prof. Lucio Rodrigues who was known as an authority on Goan Folk Songs being an expert in Folkloric aspects of Goa.

Isabela seen speaking, seated Prof. Rabin, Dr. Couto & Ramona.

Prof. Lucio Rodrigues was the Professor at Dempe College heading the English department having taught English there for about a decade till his sudden and untimely death in 1973. Though he was not my professor since I was studying at Xaviers Mapusa yet thru my innumerable friends at Dempes, I was kept abreast of the beauty and greatness of his lectures because of which he was loved by the students as well as by the College management. Even though he was majestic in his subject gaining accolades from all sides yet he was very humble and kind towards his students whom he treated with highest love and respect ever ready to assist them in their studies. A very stylish gentleman, he was also admired by his students for his elegant dress code.

Author of books written on Goan Folklore, he was very proud of Konkani and even in the class he used to utter some words and statements in Konkani. He had great love for singing Manddos and even in Bombay before coming to Goa he promoted Manddo culture there by being in the company of other such great Bombay Goans of whose type are very difficult to find now. It is a pity that once the citadel of Goan cultural activities, Bombay is now facing the draught of great Goans to promote our culture. Present day Goan generation regretfully is shying away from everything Goan. His love for poetry and music was extremely high.

The persons seated at the dais were closely linked with him either as his students or colleagues in teaching fraternity who in their respective speeches highly eulogized their mentor and “guru” for the excellence in him. They were Isabela, Prof. Rabin, Dr. Couto and Ramona. It was my pleasure to listen to such great orators speaking out their hearts in love of their guru.

It is a pity that greats are not born in Goa now. Goans like Prof. Lucio Rodrigues are born once in centuries. Will we get another like him on our soil? I doubt. May his soul Rest In peace.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.

It was a sad news to hear of the death of Mr. A.B. Fernandes, on 14^th of this month at his residence in Colva, Goa. May his soul rest in peace.

The late Agostinho Baltazar Fernandes, popularly known everywhere in Kuwait as A.B., was one of the early Goans who came to Kuwait and who spent over 3.5 decades in Kuwait till 2^nd August 1990 when Kuwait was invaded by Saddam Hussein. Hailing from Colva, he spent his early schooling days at Arpora School, as a boarder where he excelled in different fields during his entire scholastic career till he finished his Matriculation there. Having been brought up under the direct shadow of the then Principal of that School, Fr. Mendonca, A.B. grew up with strict discipline which he inculcated later on in his life. While in school he was a good student as well as good in extracurricular activities namely sports – football in particular, debates, Tiatros etc.

After completing his schooling he went to Kuwait and got employed at the prestigious company M/s Bahar Shipping where he finally rose to the position of a General Manager. While at Bahar he helped many Goans to get employment if not big then at least a small to survive as Teleclerk in the Port area. Knowing his humble upbringing in Goa he always symphatised with the small and downtrodden by helping them in whatever small way he could. Many times he would not let know his one hand what he gave in his other hand to the needy.

He was a prestige, dignity and decency of Goan community in Kuwait being upright in his behavior and character. A good and dedicated family man involving in many activities beyond his job for the cause of community. He was very regular in the Church doing different type of jobs in the Church to get things moving by helping the Church authorities. There was a time when any emergency arises, the Bishop of Kuwait would call him even late at night and he as an obedient servant of God would oblige willingly. Though he was a big man yet he never refused to integrate with the small. His presence for Tiatros, football matches and other Goan activities was always regular.

His love for Goa and Goan causes was extremely high and for Konkani cause his love was more than extremely high. Precisely because of this he was elected unanimously as the Chairman of Novem Goem Kuwait Somiti to raise funds for Novem Goem Daily in Goa, in late seventies. The success of our movement in Kuwait in raising more than the required fund was largely because of the tremendous efforts put in by A.B. Fernandes. Not only this, by heading this organization, he brought respect, prestige and dignity to Konkani especially in Kuwait in particular and in the Gulf in general when Konkani was treated with low respect. He helped me a lot to carry forward the Konkani movement in Kuwait which ultimately helped the cause of Konkani movement in Goa. Without his assistance and involvement Konkani movement in Kuwait would not have been what finally it was.

Inspite of doing so much for the cause of Konkani none of the Konkani leaders or Konkani associations remembered him during the last so many years he was in Goa. Even though he did so much for the cause of Konkani from Kuwaiti yet he was treated as a forgotten hero by all the Konkani associations in Goa. It was a total ingratitude shown to him by our corrupt and selfish Konkani promoter leaders. This is the quality of our Konkani leaders in Goa who should know that what Kuwait Goans did for the cause of Konkani very few did in Goa and A.B. is one of the few.

When Damodar Mauzo pleaded on behalf of KPA for funds for organizing KPA’s big meeting in Panjim, A.B. was one of the Goans who volunteered to give his donation. Because of Kuwaitcars’ fat donation the KPA Meet was a big success. The “Beiman” Konkani leaders in Goa must know this. Without our assistance nothing would move forward at that time in Goa. I know who were begging with us for funds for Konkani movement in Goa but all of them are like rascals keeping their silence now.

Being a Colvakar, the late A.B. was on forefront to carry forward the activities of Colva Association in Kuwait that raised so much of funds for the construction of Church Hall in Colva. Besides, he helped so many Colvakars in so many ways to attain their goals. He was a pride of Colva in Kuwait. In his death, Colva lost a great Colvakar and Goa lost a great Goan.

May His Soul Rest In Peace.

A.Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

As announced, the funeral of the late A. B. Fernandes was held in his home village Colva Cemetry preceded by a Mass at Our Lady of Merces Church which was filled with capacity crowd consisting of his friends, colleagues, relatives and well wishers.

The above was distributed in the Cemetry

Before the starting of the Mass, one of the local priests in his brief speech highlighted the good aspects of A. B’s life and the good deeds he committed when he was alive. Though the speech was good yet it lacked the required punch and contents which the local priests will never know. A.B’s work in Kuwait and his contribution for the cause of Goan community is a volume of books and this volume is known only to the persons based in Kuwait. I don’t know why these priests from Colva want to interfere in the matter of which they have no knowledge. Even last time when another Colvacar Rosary Ferns died, the local priest Fr. Alvares spoke something like a baby who being a “kalcho porcho potto”, knew nothing of Rosary’s work in Kuwait. In the same way today the local priest did for A.B. Next time they must confine their involvement only in the subject that comes under their purview. They should not act too smart in everything.

The body is taken to the Cemetry

Though there were lot of people for A.B’s funeral yet sadly found missing in the crowd were the members of the local Konkani Associations. There was not a single leader of Goan Konkani association, neither from Romi side nor from Nagri side when A.B. from Kuwait has done so much for the cause of Konkani. Worst part of the whole scenario was this that not a single member of now defunct Novem Goem Committee attended the funeral of Novem Goem Kuwait stalwart and Chairman A.B. Fernandes. Novem Goem Kuwait committee was formed to assist financially Novem Goem Goa committee but sadly none of its members had human heart to attend to this funeral. With the exception of Dr. Rebello who is already expired some years back, the rest namely, Adv. Clovis D’Costa, Adv. Antonio Bosco Lobo, Adv. Christopher Fonseca, Adv. Mulgaocar and the main person of NG movement Gurunath Kelekar are alive but all of them have failed in their human hearts. It is not only negligence but ingratitude of highest order which is normally deeply engrossed in wild animals.

The body seen in the Church

There are so many leaders of Konkani movement in Goa from both the camps Romi as well as Nagri but even they proved how ungrateful and uncultured they are. During those difficult days if Kuwaitcars had not to support Konkani movement in Goa, today Konkani would never come to the point where it is reached now. And since the late A.B. played a dominant role from Kuwait for the cause of Konkani, I feel every leader of Konkani was obligated to show his face today for the funeral of A.B. If Konkani movement is suffering in Goa it is only because of its leaders who are crooks and selfish. These people don’t deserve any award for doing good job for Konkani but they deserve kicks for ignoring the sterling feat of genuine Konkani promoters mainly like the late A.B. Fernandes. It was not an easy task to work in Kuwait for Konkani cause as we along with A.B. worked and especially during those critical days. Those who are in Goa will never know the sacrifices we did along with A.B. for raising huge funds for Konkani cause. For this reason, the promoters of Konkani cause from Kuwait are forgotten, just as the late A.B.

While proposing the vote of thanks, A.B. Fernandes' daughter eulogized her father's qualities in the family and outside and thanked everyone for attending this funeral.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

Seen Menino de Bandar singing his solo

Today morning at 10.40, I saw the Tiatro “MAIM”, written and directed by Menino de Bandar, at Mapsa which was attended by a thin crowd who no doubt was small in number but went home with a big satisfaction for having seen one of the best Tiatros of the season.

One scene where Angela as a mother seen in the Centre

Story wise, this Tiatro was excellent as it speaks of very relevant issue very common in our Christian society where the old parents are dumped into the Azilos thus making their life very lonely. The role played by Angela of the Mother who is finally sent to the Azilo is to be highly applauded while the roles played by both the daughters-in-law were excellent. So too the roles played by Franfie and Tari as sons. The concluding scene was very interesting where the sons speak very bad of those sons who send their parents to the Azilos.

Franky with his partner singing a duet

The value of the play increased much because of the excellent “Cantos” which were enjoyed by the audience. Normally these days we don’t see such Cantos in our current Tiatros.

One more scene where both daughters-in-law seen

The comedy part failed to come to the expected level as it did not generate much interest.

Singing a song on Portuguez era law & order

In the Side Show songs, I was pleased to listen to some of the very interesting songs namely, Menino de Bandar’s solo on Dr. Jack Sequeira, Franky’s duet with his partner, both the solos on Pe. Jose Vaz, a Quartel by Menino de Bandar along with his colleagues and a solo on the law and order during Portuguese time.

A Quartel singing

Congratulations to Menino de Bandar and his troupe including for musicians who played beautifully.

Yet one more scene

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.
Tel: 7507394349.

May the soul of the late Dr. Jack Sequeira REST IN PEACE. He is called the father of Opinion Poll and rightly he deserved this title though Adv. Uday Bhembro and of his tribe think Jawaharlal Nehru instead should be called the father of Opinion Poll. The Bhembros will never accept any great achievement of minority community member for the cause of Goa and Goans. He was one of the persons responsible for denying the Romi Konkani followers the privilege of recognition of Romi Konkani also. Today Romi Konkani is suffering only because of the chicanery of the Nagri Konknnivadis in KPA like Bhembros. Their crookedness towards Romi Konkani was facilitated by the dumbness in KPA of men like Tomazinho Cardoso and the late Mathanay Saldanha who should both have fought vigorously for giving recognition to Romi Konkani also. In view of this I lost all my hopes on any person in Goa to fight forcefully for Romi Konkani. If a known Konknnivadi like Tomazinho Cardoso failed us then who is left now to fight for our cause?

For 5 years the so called “our man” Tomazinho Cardoso was in the Goa Legislative Assembly holding the post of the Speaker. During these 5 years what did he do for Romi Konkani? Couldn’t he do anything? Instead he acted for 5 years as a feudal lord because temporary power reached to his head. He thought he would always remain the Speaker or MLA but never expected a kick from the voters. His political downfall was his artificial pride. For this reason one has to be very careful before elevating a small background man to the big post. Otherwise, we would have Tomazinho Cardosos only in Goa.

Regarding Nehru and Goa and also Bhembro, Nehru declared in Bombay on 4^th June 1956: “If and when the Portuguese go and the people of Goa deliberately wish to retain separate identity – I am not going to bring them by force or compulsion or coercion into the Indian Union”. Finally what did Nehru do to Goa? He used force and violence to conquer Goa and thus paved the way for Goa to lose its separate identity. He internally wanted Goa to lose its geographical and separate identity to declare to the World that Goa is a part of Indian Union because the world was accusing Nehru for using military force to conquer and invade Goa and not to liberate Goa. On 19^th December 1961 Goa was not liberated but according to the Supreme Court judgment, on 19^thDecember 1961, Goa was conquered by India against the wishes of Goans. Since this is the case, Nehru’s India still treats Goans as conquered people denying every demand of ours including the Special Status which we will never get because Central governments of BJP and Congress want Goa to be converted into a big brothel for all the rascals and Pimps from Delhi.

According to my information, immediately following the declaration of the Opinion Poll result, during the rally and meeting at Campal where the entire family of Dr. Jack Sequeira also participated, participants spontaneously raised the slogans saying “Dotor, you are the father of Opinion Poll”. Since then, rightly he goes as the father of Opinion Poll.

Bhembro must know that Nehru cannot be the father of Opinion Poll. It was Dr. Sequeira who out of concern for preserving Goa’s identity first impressed upon Nehru to have the Plebiscite for Goa to decide the future of Goa as per the above statement of Nehru but Nehru was Nehru, a cheat, a liar and a traitor and today we are suffering in Goa the sense of non-entity it is only because of Nehru who failed to maintain his assurance. For such a man to call the father of Opinion Poll will be a big crime and an insult to Dr. Sequeira who moved boulders and mountains to get an Opinion Poll for us. Nehru citing the demand of Kashmiris for Plebiscite in Kashmir to decide its future which India did not want to give, rejected Plebiscite in Goa also. But what Nehru failed to realize was this that Kashmiris case is totally different from Goa’s case.

No doubt everybody under the umbrella of “Anti-Merger” worked very hard even snatching Siolim and Mapusa constituencies from MG teeth yet the leadership of Dr. Sequeira was the need of the hour. He was during that time acted like a Hinge to unite anti-mergerists and in this mission he was successful. He went to Bombay and contacted Bombay Goans and impressed upon them to return to Goa to vote against merger. Bombay Goans played a good role to save Goa from getting merged with Maharastra. CM of Maharastra VP Naik and another mighty Maharastrian leader Y. B. Chawan in the Central Ministry played a huge role by sending deputionists to Goa to vote for merger. But Dr. Sequeira played his card very well to counter their onslaught by bringing Bombay Goans to Goa to vote for Goa. In this strategy Dr. Simon Fernandes based in Bombay played a pivotal role.

Dr. Sequeira was such a fine administrator, so beautiful orator of whose type Goa is yet to produce another one and above all he was the great secular by core. It was a pity that we missed his leadership to rule Goa. If UG had to win the first election itself, today Goa would be like gold because of his efficient administrative leadership but instead the “Rostad” anti-Goan administrator Bandodcar got the chance not only to misrule Goa but also to destroy Goa which he finally did. Bandodcar destroyed Goa because he was not a good administrator; he was the hard core communal and a big dictator worse than Salazar. It was not he alone that was a curse on Goa but the entire MGP is the curse on Goa and unfortunately we still are suffering from this curse because the last remnants of MGP are still existing. We the elders have fought vigorously in the past to half finish it from Goa and the remaining job the new generation must complete. The MGP is still craving to convert Goa as one Vaddo of Maharastra (Maharastra Vaddi).

In the light of what I said above about Dr. Jack de Sequeira, I maintain that it is none other than Dr. Sequeira alone is the FATHER OF OPINION POLL.

Congratulations to Calangute Panchayat under its leader Joseph Sequeira for being first in Goa to erect the monument of Dr. Jack de Sequeira. Tomazinho Cardoso was ruling Candolim Panchayat for a long period but such idea of constructing the monument of Dr. Sequeira in Candolim never dawned in his head though he talks a lot on Dr. Sequeira now. Where Tomazinho failed, Joseph Sequeira succeeded.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349

A feA few days back when a small boy of three years in a Camurlim Anganwadi was burnt with a hot spoon as a punishment, there was uproar all over Goa condemning this incident as brutal and inhuman. All those who made this uproar deserve highest compliments for raising this issue on top of their agenda. Fortunately, for that victim boy there was strong backing of the society and humane humans. As castigation for this brutality, the perpetrators of this brutality against the innocent kid were dismissed from their jobs. Thanks to the awareness of the society over such issues because of the media campaign done by the alert Goan media.

DuriDuring my younger days of schooling starting from the Portuguese school at Escola Primaria in my village, I still remember how our Professors used to inflict corporal punishment on us even for a small silly mistake. During those days punishing a student was the highest pleasure of our Professors. I still remember how our Professor Eduardo D’Souza while beating a young student even damaged his Ear Drum. Fortunately for him and unfortunately for Professor D’Souza the complaint went to the higher authority and then after the Portuguese authority in Goa issued a circular to all schools in Goa banning corporal punishment.

Still In my school yet another Professor of mine oblivious of the said circular used to beat the students with big sticks approximately of 2 meters long. Unfortunately, one fine morning at about 8.15, Governador Vassalo e Silva while returning back home to Panjim from Aguada, stopped at our school. His presence there went unnoticed as his motorcade consisted only of one civilian four wheeler without even having Red Beacon Light, taking all the three personnel – Governador himself, his secretary and the driver, all Pakles. When the Governador suddenly appeared on the door of our Classroom, our Professor almost fainted because of the big sticks placed on his table. As I was seated on the first bench, he pleaded with me to hide those sticks under his platform which Governador failed to notice. And since then till the end of my schooling there, I never saw those nasty sticks again.

Th Then I joined Arpora School which was the first English High School of Goa and was manned as a Principal by the very strict disciplinarian known all over Goa as the perpetrator of harsh and inhuman punishment to the students for indiscipline. Mischief and indiscipline were the part of youth but this fact the Principal of Arpora School, Fr. Philip Neri Mendonca never believed. As a consequence, he was inflicting very heavy corporal punishment on young students even for minor offences. The way he used to use his Cane on mischievous boys it looked he was correcting not human beings but “Redde ani Padde” , not only in class but even publicly and openly during the early morning Assembly sessions. For Boarders, he used to cane them by putting them on their beds. Such corporal punishment was never inflicted by any teacher anywhere in Goa during those Salazarist days in Goa. We the students of that era were the victims of such punishment. It was our misfortune for being students of that time while present day students are provided by law with lot of protection from the harsh teachers.

A. Veronica Fernandes,

Candolim, Goa.

Tel: 7507394349.

POSER FOR CALANGUTE ZILLA CANDIDATE.

PROTEST AGAINST JUDGE IN MAPUSA.

TIATRO "JEZUCHEM POVITR ROGOT".

SOLIDARITY WITH CALANGUTE BAGA RETREAT HOUSE.

REMEMBERING YESTERYEARS TIATRISTS.

END OF CONGRESS IN GOA.

CRISIS IN AAP.

THE GREAT TIATRIST "PRADEEP NAIK".

TIATRO "DEVACHEM DEVAK DIYAT"

SESA FOOTBALL ACADEMY CLOSING?

TIATRO "REPORTER".

CALANGUTE-ARPORA NEW BRIDGE.

TIATRO " KAXANVKAR" BY PRINCE JACOB.

WHEN AMITABH BACHCHAN HIJACKED CANDOLIM CHURCH.

THE LATE PROF. LUCIO RODRIGUES REMEMBERED.

THE LATE A.B.FERNANDES - EX KUWAIT.

THE LATE A.B.FERNANDES INTERRED.

TIATRO "MAIM" BY MENINO DE BANDAR.

DR. JACK SEQUEIRA - FATHER OF OPINION POLL.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT FOR STUDENTS.