CYPRIANO LOPES: A LIFE FILLED WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND DUTY "Everyone of us will depart one day for sure, with a one way ticket, free of cost, a confirmed and reserved seat with flight absolutely on schedule. Our good deeds are our luggage, humanity our passport, love our visa. Hence travel executive class to your final destination."
Born at Dandeavado, Chinchinim in South Goa's Salcete taluka on July 21, 1961, one of the twin brothers among five siblings, to late Fabian and Albertina Lopes, Cypriano always remained a beacon of light to all his siblings. He was dependable and responsible, and they in turn were proud of his achievements, specially his late father. He topped his group at SSCE at Mount Mary's High School and was a recipient of the People of Chinchinim awards and prizes. He later completed his B.Com degree. He dabbled as a successful correspondent over a year for the popular English daily Heraldo. His articles and investigating reports often made it to the front pages, exposing serious corrupt practices in government departments that raised alarm bells and personal threats. His passion for writing received a severe setback due to central service restrictions. He was also employed as a school clerk, at the St Mary's High School, Varca for a short time before he ran into a better opportunity by way of an offer at Doordarshan Panjim, Goa's main and infact only television outlet at the time. His,creative, latent talents found true expressions, leading to him being promoted and designated as a Programme Executive at Doordarshan. He produced many innovative programmes that were stamped with his distinctive mark. He enjoyed the trust and appreciation of his superiors and his colleagues, who looked up to him with respect and admiration. As the then President of Junior Jaycees of Chinchinim, he was instrumental in introducing, promoting, popularizing, successful badminton tournaments for many years on a grand scale, for the very first time ever Dandeavado, Chinchinim, and unheard of thereafter. Lopes instituted and enhanced an award under the Chinchinim Jaycees for the student of Chinchinim schools standing first at the SSCE in the subject of Konkani. He has been a Vice President of the Dalgado Konkani Academy, founder member of the Romi Lipi Action Front and was in the fore front in the movements to spread and recognize Konkani. He was inducted as the founder member of the People of Chinchinim Trust and worked as the inspiring , active Secretary with plans to take the P.C.Trust to greater heights in the service of Chinchinim Village. He gave special publicity to Trust awards to teachers and activities on Doordarshan and also encouraged, featured, promoted local artists. It was due to his initiative that a special prize distribution function was held honouring Rev. Canon Antimo Gomes and the young Ivana Furtado, an international chess prodigy with roots at Chinchinim. A commemorative souvenir was also released for the first time in 41 years with all details of history, schemes, donors, funds to serve as public information and record. His social commitment to the village led to arranging 350 plus senior citizens cards with the Social Welfare Department, during this writer's tenure as the President of CCC. As the active core member of Club of Dandeavadcares, he contributed with his experience and insight even if he had to travel distances. Cypriano Lopes was the founder member of Parish Youth Association of Chinchinim. He represented his college and Goa in football at the National School Games at Guwathi Assam in 1979. He was also active in promoting Cricket at Chinchinim. He served as a medical sales representative for Napha and Topline pharmaceuticals from 1985-90 Cypriano was a abstemious person. He stayed away from smoking, consuming or serving alcohol at any of his functions, besides following a very strict regime of diet. He was steeped in religious faith, traditions, and practices and used opportunities to grow and mature further. He has endured patiently with determination and hope his illness with intervention surgery and medical treatment, surrendering himself to the will of God. He bounced back for a while, returning to his duties in spite of all odds. It is praiseworthy that even under these circumstances, forgetting himself, he directed sincere concerns and empathy towards others. His enviable quality of heart and soul, reliability and listening traits were much appreciated and admired. "It is nice to be important, but more important to be nice", remained his moto, which earned him a wide circle of enduring and committed circle of very close, loving friends, colleagues and neighbours whose visits enhanced his comfort, hope and feeling of well being. There was so much more he planned to do for his family, home and village, if only circumstances were different and kinder. His his wife Bella stood as a rock of a support and comfort as did sons Asher and Elizar (both named after Biblical characters). Cypriano reponsibly fulfilled his role, as a son, brother, husband, father and neighbour. My family, personal association and intimate relationship with him creates a void. The mystery of life is measured by quality, and impressions one lives, not by the length of living. The Lopes clan is proud of his achievements and contributions as a worthy member. It is not my intention to inscribe this on the tombstone, for that he will neither see, read, nor hear. So, I made it a point to have him read and approve it. "Flood of tears, flowers, flying to say good bye, obituaries are traditions. Instead come see me, with love and bouquets now, not when I am gone." -- Nelson Lopes, Founder Chairman, P.C. Trust Click her
