Dr. Alvaro Loyola Furtado..A diamond among the pearls of Chinchinim Village
Dr Alavaro Loyola Furtado, a much sought after , popular Medical Practitioner ,born on 23.5.1914, passed away at a relatively young age ,on 23 -8-1981.The attendance at the funeral, a sea humanity, ever witnessed was a tribute to his glorious, indelible memory among people of all works of life, Villagers, Patients, Medical professionals and politicians. Doctor was humane, understanding and was easily available when most needed. He started his practice at Chinchinim in 1946 after military service. He was popularly known as DR ALU.Profit was his least motive of his flourishing practice, as he served with dedication and love. He did not believe in short gun therapy, of loading patients with broad spectrum antibiotics for popularity, success and cure. He was a voracious reader of medical literature and I provided him with British Medical Journals, which he greatly relished. Dr. was a fulcrum of all Village activities and institutions, be it Communidade, Church, Schools, CRCC, and offered opening of first Fair price shop at nominal rent.His considered opinions were very valuable. At a condolence meet in his honor the initial proposals to name a road by the side of his residence and to institute an award for medicine for Freguesia de Chinchinim did not receive the expected enthusiasm. However Prof.C.A Gomes, his ardent follower with perseverance, determination did institute the award, distributed annually to the Medical student. Due to lack of publicity, and funds, it has not been an annual award as was envisaged. However it is little consolation that the stretch of Road from St. Sebastiao Chapel to Assolna Bridge is named after him. It is to be noted that it was due to his efforts Assolna Bridge concept and vision as the vital link in the South was highlighted and proposed, accepted by Dr Loyola. In contrast the Inacio Loyola Road at Margao and Bust of Minguel Loyola Furtado at Margao and Chinchinim Gardens are a firm reminder of contributions of Illustrious family of freedom fighters, journalists in Medical profession, originating from Orlim. Their family publications “Partido Indiano” and “A India Portuguesa “ were the earliest movements to sow the seeds of freedom struggle .Mr Teotonio Dsouza has paid glowing tributes to him in his essay “Scholars discovery of Goa, Dr Alvaro Loyola Furtado,a tribute from his fellow citizens.” Besides he is bestowed with Burma Campaign Medal,long service medals, war medal by Indian Medical services South East Asia command, where he served as a Captain for 4 years during world war two. He is also honoured for his dedication to TB programme with honorific title: “Chief Ordem dos Medicos da India Portuguse” .Vassalo Silva the last Portuguese Governor of Goa, at his persistence restored full ownerships rights of tenants of Communidades and abolished rent .He was nicknamed as the member of anti Salazarist brigade at Margao. At a Goa liberation public meet 1946, he demanded autonomy to colonies In India but adamant Salazar was unfazed .He was member of the group that met Nehru to retain separate identity of Goa. Dr Alvaro was a linguist, fluent in English, Latin ,Portuguese and Konkanni. He did not rank among orators. His treatises about First printing press in India and his knowledge about the declining Communidades 1961, and reforms of Communidades received wide recognition. He was member of drafting the tenants rules. Dr Alvaro was a historian, Journalist, social worker and shrewd politicians. He put Chinchinim on the political map of Goa after liberation, and became the first MLA from Chinchinim in then Navelim Constituency. He was the founder , responsible to unite 4 parties into UGP. He was the chief brain of UGP, drafting legislations and was listened to with rapt attention, when he delivered his learned messages. He parted ways with UGP in 1967 on the issue of Opinion poll .He wanted the poll to settle once and for all the issue of Goa as a separate State,but the poll did not offer that option for maintaining distinct identity and the wound was left to fester. He worked tirelessly in the south to ensure against merger. I was his admirer in close touch with him during the period till he lost all 6 seats under UGP (F) “Sunrise” symbol after opinion poll success. Doctor Alvaro was Mayor of Margao Muncipality for two years and served as pro buno publico .During his tenure he planned for network of municipal roads, framed rules ,regulations and put finances on sound footing and thus left his indelible mark on the administration of Margo Municipality. He resigned from the post as the administration was hurting his Nationalist feelings, He was instrumental in arranging the visitation of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima to Chinchinim, during break after 8 p.m. As fate would decide, the present monument at Bomdorim is a reality today and popular spiritual draw was due to unfortunate, freak break down at that place on its destination. Dr Alvaro did his Primary Education at Rachol Seminary, where he was polished in integrity, honesty and human values, which are indistinguishable parts of his armoury .Secondary Education at St Joseph European High School Bangalore, Completed Inter Science with distinctions and awards at St Aloysius College Mangalore. He obtained Medical degree from Madras Medical College , 1941 and was inducted in the army medical core. The lasting monument to the revered memory of Dr Alavro Furtado are the hearts and minds of people whom he touched Dr Alvaro is survived by his wife, a son and 3 daughters, two of whom are doctors. All the children are well placed, and settled in life with their families in their respective professions Nelson Lopes Chinchinim ReplyForward <https://drive.google.com/u/0/settings/storage?hl=en&utm_medium=web&utm_source=gmail&utm_campaign=manage_storage> <https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/terms/> <https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/> <https://www.google.com/gmail/about/policy/>