Domnic Fernandes wrote: Our heartiest congratulations to both the Padma Shri awardees, especially to Fr. Romualdo D’Souza, the Anjunkar - Dr. Willie D’Souza’s brother! We are proud of you Fr. Romualdo.
RESPONSE: It is always heart-warming to hear of Goans being honoured for their contribution in the various fields of life. From my reading, I have come to understand that Goan have been outstanding, in many fields, in many countries especially Portugal and Brazil for the past 125 years at least. For a small territory, the amount of talent that Goa has produced has been truly outstanding. Perhaps, every young Goan will take note of this and work very hard to achieve the very best he/she can achieve. On a personal level, I consider myself blessed for having been guided by these fine men, who I consider as two of my best friends. Fr. Romualdo was my principal at St Vincent's High School in Poona. He brought a refreshing dimension to that outstanding Jesuit school, which I will always love. Fr Romualdo had (a few years prior) returned with a PhD from Fordham University, NY and an American (open) outlook to education and career progression. It is because of him that I decided to take the B group (pre-Med) and later join medicine. His brother, Dr. Willie - was not only a brilliant surgeon, he was a great Associate Prof of Surgery. He made surgery look so good and easy.(What a pity he got involved in politics) I will always remember Dr. Willie's advice to me - proferred one fine afternoon on Calangute beach......as my wife and I were planning to emigrate. His advice, which I often repeat (in a paraphrased fashion) to my resident colleagues and which I offered to my children.....is the following: It is not a picnic out there in the UK and US. But you work hard, study as hard as you can, try better yourself every single day and always be honest with yourself, your family, your friends, your patients (clients) and your employers ......and you will be fine! Thank you Dominic for enabling me to share this piece with you. Good wishes to all jc