Dr Jack Sequeira needs official recognition Dr.Sequeira the Father of opinion poll , a visionary who laid the foundation for a separate state and Konkanni language . has been ignored since 1967. The adamant attitude of present and past Govt is unconvincing. The opposition is now crying hoarse and foul , playing to the gallery to wip up passions of emotions. The First CM has a statue and also a samadhi to perpetuate his memory. A Bandodkar Soccer tournament with Gold trophy has folded up His official birthday is not a state priority. .He holds a place of pride in the new Assembly complex contrary to Dr.Sequeira being ignored inspite of vociferous demands by the opposition. Mr Bandodkar for all his laudable achievements worked passionately to merge Goa into Maharashtra and thus obliterate its existence permanently. Then how does ,may I ask hec deserves to be celebrated in state of Goa ? There were many other legislators who were his associates and furthered his cause are now self certifying as Builders of modern Goa. Projects are named as Atal Sethu, Shayam Prassad stadium , Manohar Parikar International Airport. a monument too, and Mathany Saldanha Administrative Complex. Had Goa been merged there would be no posts of CM, Speaker . Leader of opposition ,Ministers etc Goa as a district would be entitled to 2 MLA's, one MP, and one Collector.Those who are enjoying position , power status and who have made politics a profession a career are oblivious of rightful recognition to his memory .Legislators insignificant and irrelevant without qualification , experience stood to benefit and prosper. Is the observation , celebration officially , 16 January ASMITAI DIS and inclusion in curriculum a monumental task?.Govt is building statues of others and patronizing by presence whose contributions to the State of Goa is irrelevant. It is the initiative of People efforts that his statues are erected at Calnangute , Dona Paula , First statue in Salcette , South Goa at Ambelim .A road is also named at Miramar.It took CM,s of Delhi and Punjab Shri Bhagwant S Mann & Arwind Kejriwal to pay courtessy visit of respects at Ambelim .I am not aware of any Govt functionary of repute attending simple functions at the site of statues of Dr.Sequeira on 16 Jan designated as Opinion poll day.Dr. Sequeira was an intelligent, charismatic ,non corrupt politician .He convinced smaller groups to merge into UGP and was unanimously elected as its First President and also Leader of opposition because of leadership quality.There was difference of opinion and split that poll should be for merger or a separate state so as not to resurrect the ghost of State again .Inspite of differences they worked unitedly rallying behind him and the fears of Statehood did surface as expected for struggle afresh. He thwarted the move to merge by simple majority in the Assembly.He led delegations to Pandit Nehru , Lal Bahudar Shastri.Indira Gandhi sanctioned opion poll, first precedent in Independent India and guaranteed to abide by it. Dr. Sequeira was assisted by people of all regions, caste indudtrualists, writers, thinkers and Tiatrists as very powerful ,effective messengers ,thus it was a collective effort to preserve the identity of Goa. His dream of Goa not to be backyard of Maharashtra and make it the best State of Union has more than fulfilled Had he been astute politician he should have backed KB Naik , a break away group of 7 MGP.to be the CM and thus ensured requiem of mergerist. He demited office with grace and humilty when he was rejected and defeated . Even today remnants of mergerists shamefully continue to enjoy privileges entertaining hopes of revival .The Opinion poll and its victory will foever remain as corner stone of foundation of separate State. The sobriquet Father of Opinion poll was bestowed by press and grateful Goans affectionately absorbed it in appreciation There can be no two fathers of opinion poll just as there is only one Father of Nation , the intent is to light the fire of controversy to discredit and malign with ulterior motives to strip him of legitimate honour The best permanent monument to his glory are the hearts and minds of people.When the people are increasinly determined the Govt cannot bend the will of the populace , VOX POPULI will prevail .In this present digital age monuments are irrelevant. They are silent sentinels do not speak for themselves. They are weathered by rain and sun ,perching towers for angels of the wings , first targets of vandalism in riots . Protection and upkeep is woeful ,except for ceremonial ocassions and that is no great respect and honour . Idi Amin, Lenin and even Angel of Peace ,Mahatma Gandhi have been targeted . Luis De Camoes a renowned poet of repute is resting in archives.Mayawati has immortalised herself like Idi Amin during her life time Motoristst are not enamoured by names of roads , when they even ignore safety road signs The lack of response from legislators towards an award at all Goa level in his memory is dismal sign of ingratitude .Here is an opportunity to individually show some iota of gratitude , when collectively they are at wits end to make a dent Long live Dr Jack Sequeira the father of opinion who is an architect of modern Goa . Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
