Godfrey JI Gonsalves
gonsalvesgodfre...@yahoo.co.in
A month ago, a good Samaritan passed away in the
serene woods of Gorcomoroda, Velim, Goa. He was
just 62. Baptized Terence Francis Mazarelo, and one
of the twin sons of his late parents, he was born
and bred in Eldoret, Kenya.
[Eldoret is a principal city in western Kenya, elevated to
between 2100-2700 metres above sea level (7000–9000 feet). It
is currently the fastest growing town in Kenya, the second
largest urban centre in midwestern Kenya after Nakuru and the
fifth largest urban centre in Kenya.]
After his parents returned to Goa in the late sixties, or in
1968 to be precise, he schooled and graduated in Commerce at
Panjim. He was an entrepreneur by vocation who ventured to
set up a fabrication workshop at Khareband, Margao, called
the Techno Engineering Works.
Later he ventured into the distribution of IMFL
('Indian-made foreign liquors) and wines under the name and
style of Estampco Wines.
However, in the inner recesses of his conscience he knew that
service to humanity, given his penchant for the law, would
endear him well to those who needed him the most. He would
initially sort out grievances of all those that approached
him. He guided many. Even the revenue officials -- locally
called 'talathis' -- would discreetly seek his assistance to
dispose cases or draft letters.
He would plead on behalf of those who needed his
services in the administrative cum quasi judicial
forum. He was indeed a 'barefoot advocate' of the
oppressed. His mature advice in sorting out
personal issues, matters of marital discord, youth
going astray, land matters etc won him admiration
from many.
He soon earned the sobriquet of 'Papa' and accepted this
appellation. At his work place in Khareband, Margao or at his
native place in Velim in the later years, he would begin the
day browsing through the local English dailies. The Navhind
Times appealed to him the most and he maintained in his attic
the newspapers of well over thirty years.
Then, he would resort to taking up 'matters' on behalf of his
clients. He would draft, convey and plead without the legal
jargon adopted by legal luminaries. But that was no hindrance
to him in conveying the point he intended to make. Burning
the midnight oil to prepare briefs was his forte, which
explained his passion about legalities.
On May 6, 2000 a group of citizens gathered at the Fatima
Convent, Margao, to form a non-governmental organization. It
was christened as the South Goa Public Interest Action Group.
It was got registered. From among the initial enthusiasts,
the actual members trickled to a small number but the few
that remained were indeed dedicated to the cause of social
service -- in public interest.
Terence Mazarelo believed in the principles he laid down for
the NGO. Those serving ought to contribute ten percent of
their income for social causes. Members ought to remain
apolitical as far as interaction with the Government in power
was concerned. He believed that for an NGO to be successful
there was a need to have a 24x7 dedicated helpline, and that
too was set up.
With all this the NGO grew up in the past 15 years and he
remained the undisputed, unanimously-elected president of the
group until his sudden demise. He owed his legal acumen to
his friend philosopher and guide the ex-Advocate General of
the State of Goa Subodh Kantak, who he was in touch even on
the eve of his demise.
The NGO he headed took up several issues with the
Government, whether it was the issue of helmets,
ground water resources, the Regional Plan, casinos,
NRIs, etc. Terence Mazarelo submitted views on
behalf of the group in writing, for or against. He
gave more importance to resort to dialogue
negotiations and very rarely encouraged one to get
onto street oriented agitations -- and if at all
only to show solidarity for a cause.
He remained a confirmed bachelor and, while he cared and
shared with others, his own health discreetly took a toll.
Some owing to actions of his own, over indulgences or
neglect. He was cautioned rebuked but to no avail. There were
several instances when he was in and out of hospital but that
did not deter him from his social work, for that took
priority over his health.
Unfortunately on that fateful day he complained of uneasiness
in the morning and was rushed to Hospicio Margao, where he
breathed his last. His demise left all of us dumb-stricken.
Nevertheless his leadership qualities and well entrenched
principles will inspire generations to come.
The good die young and so did he.
Contributed to Goanet by:
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
gonsalvesgodfre...@yahoo.co.in
