It is said, Goans are by nature mild and soft people. This is partly because of the long term influence of Portuguese rule in Goa for 451 years since Portuguese culture is mild, soft and decent. Even the top dignitaries coming to Goa from Portugal, given an opportunity to integrate with the local commoners, would create a very good impact of themselves. Most of them proved to be humble just as I indicate below.
It was in 1958 when I was a student of Portuguese school in Candolim, suddenly at 8.00 AM returning from Aguada, the Goa Governador Vassalo e Silva, appeared at the door of our class and wishing us “Bom Dia”, slowly walked smilingly to the Platfrom where our Professor Oliveira was seated. Then turning towards me, a skinny ugly looking shabbily dressed boy, seated on the first bench, asked in Portuguese “Do you have a Bag?” Seeing him talking to me, a commoner, thus, the Governador of Goa, I became nervous. Noticing my nervousness, he felt pity on me and humbly put his hand in my desk like a commoner and when he found the desk empty, he realized my proletarian background and humbly presented me one Bag. During this whole episode, I found him a very simple, humble and a kind hearted man without any pride normally associated with our disgraceful politicians.
Somewhere in 1959 during his visit to Portugal, Pe. Chico Monteiro from Candolim met Salazar in his office and while returning, Pe. Chico forgot his Hat on Salazar’s table. After a few seconds walk, Pe. Chico heard calling him from behind thus, “Senhor Pardre – Senhor Pardre, Seu Chapeu !!”. Turning his back, Pe. Chico noticed Salazar personally coming running, putting the security men into disarray, to return the Hat instead of sending it thru his Peon. This is yet another sign of simplicity of Portuguese culture shown by the Portuguese Dictator. Such simplicity and humility are not existing in our land because our politicians are barbarians.
The same type of simplicity and humility I noticed in Portuguese Premier during his recent reception at Bambolim Hayat Hotel, on 12th of this month where I was one of the official invitee. During his interaction with the attendees, I found the Portuguese Premier Antonio Costa totally a simple and humble man, accessible to anyone without any pride normally associated even with our ordinary Panchayat member.
A.Veronica Fernandes.