Cornelio Apolino Gomes, popularly known as C.A.Gomes was born in Chinchinim Village,Goa on 20-6-1904. After completing his Primary Portuguese Education and two years of Latin and French,courses in his uncle priest`s private school, he was sent for English studies. He passed the Matriculation Examination of the University of Bombay, through St Joseph`s High school, Arpora ,Goa It was certainly a rare achievement in those days. Before he took college studies, he founded a High school, in his native village with vision and foresight for the crying need for those who could not afford studies outside villagea He, taught for 8 years all the subjects except Hindi.He then joined the ElphistoneCollege in Bombay, securing a B.A.degree in 1942- a virtual landmark in the higher Education in the Village of Chinchinim.For the next 30 years he taught in well known and leading Secondary High schools in Goa,st Mary`s High School in Mapusa.Loyalo High School ,In Margao,St Andrews High School, Goa Velha,Guardian Angel High School in Sanvordem,Infant Jesus High School in Cuncolim,New Era High School in Margao Mount Mary`s High School, Chinchinim as the H.M.He was instrumental in securing recognition under very challenging obstructions.Such was his zeal for learning that he passedthe STC examinationand completed B.Ed. Degree from Regional Collegeof Education Bhopal , just a few years before retirement in 1968. He has to his credit acclaimed text books on social studies ,Civics and administration and Guides in the subjectsof English for the SSCE .These books were in great demand all over Goa.He penned a book of poems “A garland of multicolour flowers”including a legacy of unpublished poems He was a distinguished playwright both in English and Konkani His first play in English was Headman`s Murderin 1940 at BOMBAY , earning him the nick name of `Goan Shakespeare` and which delighted him .He staged and directed 7 playswith professional actors and repeat performances His catchy composition of songs still find an echo. In later years he devoted in the development of Mando , participating in festivals and competions His passion extended to original ,traditional and operattas categories He founded the group of`Chinchonnche Cantorist` and won many a prizes in different categories He set Chinchinim on fire on Mando Map and competitions and sprouted more groups He was also the founder member of the first original Bernado Mando festival at Panjim. In social service he was always at the fore front He was the only and distinguished Toast Raiser at almost all weddings in the village. Elected as the only unopposed member of Chinchinim Deussua Village Panchayat till date. He served for many years as the President of Confrarias de Igreja de Chinchinim, assisted the Church in court matters to regain its properties. The Panchayat has gratefully named a road of Chinchinim Dandeavado, acknowledging him as the proud son of the village, worthy of of honour and recognition well deserved A born teacher, loved and admired by his students, revered and cherished for his way of disseminating knowledge in happy, dramatic atmosphere He died on 12 April 1998, at 94 years, Death cheated him, denying his avowed his wish to complete a century, . He has left his indelible foot prints on sands of times as an author, poet, playwright, composer, lyricist. Writer., social worker and above all an individual not fettered by pride, jealousy, revenge. and envy The inscription on his tombstones reads "“He shared his lifeto transform the society in the fields of Education, Literature, Culture, Human rightsand dedicated his works to the lovers of truth and justice" A multifaceted diamond, fitting the title of the best ideal teacher, i have ever known was outside state recognition of teacher award He would certainly qualify for posthumous award, if there was one, for the best and ideal teacher His, perpetual monument is the hearts and minds of his grateful students and all those with whom he came in contact Remembering C.A. Gomes as the teacher and a pearl of Chinchinim Village to be treasured, admired as an inspiration for posterity Nelson Lopes Chinchinim 9850926276 admirer and student