Father of opinion poll Dr Jack De Sequeira the architect first time ever Opinion poll in free India.The decision was taken by the MLA's in the Goa Assembly.It was a battle royal to convince the Central Govt.to permit the referendum, untried anywhere in India.Once decided there was no retracing back.The MGP Govt in power was all prepared to sway the voters with massive financial backing of Maharashtra ,which saw it as the potential milch cow.The unofficial title of "Father of Opinion poll" was conferred by the grateful people of Goa " vox populi" It is fallacy that there are more fathers than one . There is no denying of the fact that many more have contributed to this cause ,but not to usurp or deny this legitimate privilege to Dr Sequeira The Govt , including Congress then in power did precious little to do the needful and now crying hoarse for mileage as a publicity stunt. The Govt. till date has not officially celebrated the day 16 January as "Asmitai din " even though after assurance in the Assembly last year.The grateful Goans all over the world observe the day in great solemnity with respect and affection and continue to so We are proud to be called Goans because the hard fought victory of the Opinon poll ensured separate identity , its culture and la guage.Goa shines amongst the States of Union of India with all its atributes designated as " Pearl of Orient" It attracts hordes of tourists both International National to soak in its natural beauty ,hospitality , and culture.The Govt continues subtly the myth that success was due to minority community ,when the right thinking majority saved it from catastrophy Even the reference to historical victory and sanction of referendum of Opinion poll does not find a mention in History syllabus .It is confined to archiveval records for posterity for eager diggers . Strangely and ironically the main intended destroyer of Goan identity finds representation at New State Assembly ,but the one who deserved visibility is deliberately eclipsed.The Samadhis of Bandodkar and Parikar and Airport named after him seem to tower tall. Bandodkar Gold Trophy is in doldrums. In contrast many other erstwhile CM's are complety ignored as non sarters .In stalk contrast Shyam Prassad Mukerji stadium, Atal Bridge , Rajiv Ghandi Hospital Complex, Mathany Saldanha Administrative complex are basking in glorious limelight The Goans in gratitude without Govt . Patronage have raised his statues both in North and South Goa,named a street to pay tributes to his revered eternal memory.Dr Jack does not lives on name plates but has carved a niche in the hearts and minds of true Goans throught out the world. Praises in his honour abound in countless VCD's , CD's , books, periodical and on U.tube May I humbly ask in which Country or State his achievements will find a mention ,if not in the land of Goa.God forbid, if there was merger Goa would be indiscrete District of Maharashtra with District Collector in charge ofadministration with two MLA's and one MP.The contigent of 40 MLA's with CM , Deputy CM , Speaker retinue of 12 ministers , Chairperson of endless Corporations enjoying the largasse ,perks, free bees ,pensions et al. would not have existed at all P.C.Trust sent appeals in person, registered mail at a wortless costs and efforts , but regretable ,past and present CM, ministers ,MLA's, MPs , heads of corporations ZP did not even respond nor acknowledge. Ex. MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues the only one who was all praise for the initiative and visited in person to offer his contributions. P.C.TRUST succeed without legislators and now offers yearly Rs 15000..= with citation in memory of Dr.Jack De Sequeira to the Topper at SSC.GBSHSE , instituted by Friends and admirers
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
