Goa’s guiding light
We celebrated the Goa Opinion Day remembering those who toiled to keep our identity intact. It is a misconception to claim that any single community was responsible for the victory of Goa’s separate identity. However, it was the voters of South Goa who played a decisive role in shaping the outcome. Had Goa been merged with Maharashtra, the region would have only had a few MLAs, one MP, and one district collector. It is absurd that, long after the death of Dr Jack de Sequeira, one of the top leaders of the Opinion Poll, some have tried to downplay his legacy, even questioning the propriety of bestowing the title ‘Father of the Opinion Poll’ upon him. In contrast, the grateful people of Goa have wholeheartedly embraced Dr Sequeira as the true Father of the Opinion Poll, and they continue to honour and adore him in their hearts and minds. His legacy is indelibly marked as the man who ensured Goa’s separate identity, culture, language, and customs. Shouldn’t there be a statue of him in the assembly complex to honour his contribution? Dr Sequeira never sought fame or glory. He quietly faded from politics with dignity and honour. He never sought to build an empire or promote dynastic interests. Public statues, the Opinion Poll Square and countless CDs celebrating his achievements, are all private initiatives by grateful Goans. On his birth centenary, India Post issued a commemorative stamp in his honour—an event that stands as a rare and significant tribute. No other politician in independent Goa has received such public and spontaneous admiration and honour. Dr Sequeira remains a guiding light, a visionary, and an irreplaceable figure in the history of Goa.
Nelson Lopes, Chinchinim
Loss of a 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 and he lived life to the fullest. His uniqueness as an advocate was being fair and ensuring that no undue injustice was done to the 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. 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. Goa will miss a suave, very knowledgeable and extremely outspoken advocate Fortunato De Melo.
Aires Rodrigues, London
Eschew firecrackers
Recently Christmas was celebrated world over with joy and gaiety. During the celebrations, the environment was peaceful as there were no big displays of fireworks at public places, which did not spike air pollution level. Firework display is not part of Indian culture. Some 500 years ago, firecrackers were imported from Macau; and those days the noise was not deafening. It is pertinent to note that workers working at firecracker factories handle hazardous chemicals, which are harmful for human health. Sometime the factories witness explosions, which claim the lives of workers and seriously injure some of them. Hence people should make less use of firecrackers for their own safety and for keeping air pollution under control.
Avadhut Pokle, Mapusa
New lease of life
This is with reference to the news report on the rejuvenation of Salpem lake (NT, January 16, 2025). It is good to see the awareness and the authorities waking up to the reality with regard to reviving waterbodies across the state. The Salpem lake rejuvenation project is a step in the right direction. We all need to understand that waterbodies are nature’s gift to us. Unfortunately however, we are destroying these waterbodies for our selfish ends. In the face of the massive climate change around us, one only hopes that we can reverse the trend with sincere efforts.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Check reckless bike riding
To curb reckless riding, the South Goa police have announced plans to initiate action against delivery agents working for online food delivery platforms for endangering other motorists by speeding on the roads. The police have conducted a sensitisation programme for food delivery boys. Additionally, the police have carried out an enforcement drive to crack down on over-speeding among food delivery agents. This appears to be a step in the right direction as it will reduce the number of road accidents. The increase in the number of deliveries may result in fatigue among the delivery boys thereby leading to accidents. Be that as it may, there are probably fewer incidents of road accidents involving food delivery personnel as compared to accidents involving tourists riding a rent-a-bike vehicle. These tourists do not follow traffic rules and ride the vehicle with gay abandon.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
