113 birth anniversary
PROF. C.A.GOMES-- “GOAN SHAKESPEARE”- “He shared his life to transform the society in the fields of Education. Literature, Cultural Arts, Human Rights and dedicated his work to the lovers of Truth and Justice” Prof.Cornelio Apolino Gomes, usually known as C.A Gomes was born in Chinchinim, Goa on 20th June 1904 After completing his Primary Portuguese Education and two years of Latin Course and French, in his uncle`s priest private school, he was sent for English studies and passed the then Matriculation Examination of the University of Bombay, through St. Joseph`s High School, Arpora, Bardez ,Goa. Before he took College studies, Providence made him to found a High School, in his native Village, in which he taught for 8 years .He then joined the Elphinstone College in Bombay, securing a B. A. Degree in 1942- a landmark in Higher Education in Chinchinim Village. For the next 30 years he taught in well-known leading Secondary Schools in Goa, such as St Mary`s High School, Mapusa. Loyola High school Margao, Mount Mary`s High School , Chinchinim, St Andrew`s High School, Goa Velha, Infant Jesus High School, Cuncolim, in some of them as the Headmaster, in later years. Such was his zeal for learning that he passed the STC Examination during his teaching career and then he completed B.Ed. from Regional College of Education, Bhopal, just a few years before retirement in 1968 He has to his credit acclaimed Text Books on Social Studies Civics and Administration, popular and sought after guides in the subject of English for SSC students. His poetic tendencies and Dramatic activities bore fruits from his early age He penned books of poems : A garland of multicoloured flowers” and also kept for prosperity an arsenal of unpublished poems. He was distinguished playwright in English and Konkanni plays. He published his first original play in English, “The Headman`s Murder” in 1940 in Bombay, earning him the nickname of ` Goan Shakespeare`. He staged and directed at least seven Konkanni “tiatros “along with professional actors, with repeat performances in various parts of Goa and Bombay. In songs, his compositions were well receive and many sing till today, In later years, he dedicated to the development of “- Goan Mando” Traditional folk songs, winning many laurels in Goa. Competitions and Festivals, in original compositions as well as traditional renditions, not forgetting the inimitable “Operattas”. He was the pioneer of instituting the Mando in Chinchinim through his troupe “: Chinchinim Cantorist” and thus taking this Village to limelight on the map of Goa. In fact he was also one of the founder members of the First Original, “ Bernado Mando “ festival at Panjim In Social Service, he served, the people, the downtrodden and the poor, always standing for the justice. He was the unopposed member of the Chinchinim- Deussua Panchayat and responsible to develop the much needed infrastructure and amenities in the village. He served for many years as the President of “ Confrarias de Igreja de Chinchinim and fought valiantly through the Court to restore back the Church property. The Villagers , through the Panchayat named in his memory, the Dandeavaddo link road as Prof. Apolino Gomes Road, as tribute of gratitude and honour This born teacher, loved and admired by his students, who revered and cherished his way of teaching, died short of 94 years on 12 April 1998. He also kept his footprints as an author ,poet, playwright, composer, lyricist, writer, social worker and above all as truly a good man ,embossing a legacy of moral values. On his niche, on the walls of the cemetery of Chinchinim his immortal life is summed as follows “He shared his life to transform the society in the fields of education, Literature, Cultural Arts, Human Rights and dedicated his work to the lovers of truth and Justice” Nelson Lopes His admirer & student Chairman, People of Chinchi
