ROMI LIPI ACTION FRONT
c/o Rhythm House,
Below City Hospital, Opp. Meenaxi Hotel,
Margao, Goa.403 601.
Mob. 9822386579
Ref:- RLAF/U.B/ PRESS
Date:- 14.4.2008
The Legend lives on.... and on.... and on....
Goy Shahir "Ulhas Buyao"
It's exactly a year. On the 16th April 2007, Goy Shahir, Ulhas Buyao
breathed his last. He lived "A Fighter" and died "A Fighter".
But, Ulhas Buyao was a fighter of a different kind. He was a fighter who was
against any physical violence. Yet, he was a fighter of the "non-violent"
type. A Gandhian, who fought against injustice, physical and mental
oppression, casteism and communalism.
He was a champion of the masses. He was a Goan to the core, and pronounced
his Goan identity to the world, with pride.
Although Ulhas Buyao was a multifaceted personality, one could invariably
narrow down his life to these 4 headings (Goa, Goans, Goan Culture &
Konkani).
In what ever he did, he always had these 4,on top of his priority list.
He played a very big role, in winning for Goa, the historic "Opinion Poll".
He played a major role in winning for Goa, our mother-tongue "Konkani".
He became the "soul" of Konkani music through his numerous Konkani songs.
He did so much more, for Goa & Goans.
It is difficult to talk about a man, who did so much during his life-time.
However much, one talks about such a man, it would still seem less. Instead
of enumerating here, my own impressions of this gigantic personality, called
"ULHAS BUYAO", I'd rather quote, what others had to say, about Ulhas Buyao
at the several condolence meetings, arranged by his admirers, immediately
after his death..
Fr. Pratap Naik s.j (Director, Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra):- He was an
honest and fearless man who was devoted to the cause of Konkani and justice.
He is an inspiration to me & I will continue the struggle for recognition of
Roman Script, to my last breath.
Purnanand Chari (President, Konkani Bhasha Mandal):- Ulhas Buyao was an
artiste, poet, and a fighter who had the spirit of struggle in his blood. It
is the humble men like Buyao-bab, who have made Goa, great. The typical Goan
flavour can be heard in the music composed by Buyao-bab & it is through his
music, that he will live in our hearts.
Adv. Aires Rodrigues (Social Activist):- Ulhas-bab, forever fought against
injustice and for truth. We need to erect a statue of Ulhas-bab, in Goa, to
inspire our future generations.
Felix D'Cruz (Writer):- Our Languages are our wealth, and Ulhas-bab had
enriched the Konkani Language by his contributions. His songs influenced us
to think and to struggle. They encouraged us and shook us from our lethargy.
He sacrificed for Konkani and Goan-identity, but gained very little from
it.. This is the true Goan Spirit.
Cyriaco Dias (Film & Theatre Personality):- During the Opinion Poll time, I
remember, Ulhas Buyao still in his late teens, came to Bombay & sang songs
during the intermission of a tiatr staged by Dr Simon Fernandes. In his
memory, let us all strive for unity among Goans, for the cause of Konkani.
Daniel D'Souza, and Miguel Braganza (Journalists) :- We still remember that
proud Goan feeling that came over us, when we heard Ulhas Buyao singing
"Chan'nyache Rati' while we were very small, still in our short pants. The
powerful imagery of the lyrics, the melodious voice and the haunting tune of
the song, will forever remain in the hearts of all Goans, who love Konkani.
Wilmix Wilson Mazarello (Convenor, Romi Lipi Action Front ):- Ulhas Buyao
has done yeoman service to Goa, during the Opinion Poll, during the Language
Agitation, and now ,during the on-going struggle, for official-recognition,
to the Roman Script. His service for the cause of the Roman Script, will
also reach its logical end. Ulhas Buyao will ensure from the Heavens, that
the "Roman Script" will get justice.
Among the many admirers of Ulhas Buyao, who came to condole his death were
Politicians, Priests, Musicians, Journalists, Doctors, Tiatrists ,
Industrialists & Goans from all walks of life.
A year has passed since then.
Although,the physical presence of Ulhas Buyao, is not here with us, all the
good that Ulhas Buyao has done for Goa and Goans, is very much here, for us
to see.
We very much, feel his presence here, among us.
That's precisely why I say, the Legend Ulhas Buyao lives on....and on
....and on...
That's precisely why, I have purposely, refrained from calling him
"late-Ulhas Buyao".
The Legend of Ulhas Buyao continues to live among us.
For a photo of Ulhas Buyao, see http://www.goanet.org
Wilmix Wilson Mazarello
(Convenor, "Romi Lipi Action Front")
