Merces remembers Dr Jack de Sequeira
Isidore Domnick Mendis
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Opinion Poll Day, a melodious musical
extravaganza -Konkani Kantarancho Kariakrom was orgainsed by Konkani Kala Kendr
Merces (KKK). This renowned cultural group of Merces was till recently known as
Goykaranchi Konkani Bhas, Songit Kala ani Sonskrutai Kendr (GKBSKSK). The 16th
Jan 2012, evening coincided by paying rich tributes to the Father of Opinion
Poll Dr Jack de Sequeira.
The Chief Guest of the musical extravaganza was Fr Conceissao D’Silva Parish
Priest of Taleigao.Fr Maverick Fernandes of Council for Social Justice and
Peace along with Fr Clifford Castelino Asst parish priest of Our Lady of Merces
Church, Merces graced the occasion as special invitees.
A close aide of Dr Sequeira and one of the last surviving stalwarts of Opinion
Poll Joao Fernandes was honored by Konkani Kala Kendr Merces. Joao expressed
his agony that today most Goans had forgotten the priceless contribution of Dr
Sequeira and that was to get Goa for Goans.
Joao showered paean on both Dr Sequeira and other luminaries of that famous
movement like Anton Caitan Fernandes(founder of ‘oHeraldo’), Antonio Fernandes
(Xiru), Anton Fernandes, Joao Joao, Kerin and Bonifacio Rodrigues.
Fr Conceissao too expressed anguish that the present rulers of Goa do not care
for Goa and Goans. “The principles of unselfishness and thoughtfulness
practiced whole heartedly by the late leader of United Goan Party (UGP) do not
apply to the present day politicos who are both corrupt as well as self
centered. Ironically even this year while celebrating Opinion Poll anniversary
only the villages of Calangute and Merces remembered Dr Sequeira.
Fr Conceissao who is also the main preacher of the famed Jesus Mary Ministry
Goa asked derisively why only Calangute and KKK of Merces only remembers Dr
Sequeria. “What has happened to the other talukas and more so to Salcette
Taluka which coincidentally during the time of historic opinion poll had
played a decisive role in preventing Goa from being swallowed by Maharashtra.
Why has Dr Sequeira become an anathema to our present day Goan rulers? Why do
they run from even discussing his name?” asked Fr Conceissao.
Konkani lovers were spell bound by the captivating ‘kantaran’ rendered under
the tutelage of melody king Lawry Travaso. The audience was awestruck to the
heart rendering numbers delivered by both stalwarts and upcoming stars of
Konkani numbers comprising of Mario Menezes, Anthony San, Tony De Ribandar,
Marcus Vaz, Mario Da Vasco, Clerissa, Jessica, Rosy Alvares, Joana, Ben
Evangelisto, Alexinho da Morjim and Elvis. The comedian duo of Joana and Ben
Evangelesto were at their best to pepper the evening with laughter and humour.
The 2011 KKK, Merces winners of 2011 Gandhi Jayanti Essay competition in Roman
script were also rewarded with cash prizes during the occasion.
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