KGTS Condolence Meeting Held
A condolence meeting was held by the Kuwait-Goa
Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) on 20-02-05 at the Royal
Terrasse, Salmiya-Kuwait to offer prayers on the
untimely demise of Mr. Francis Peter Thomas D'Souza -
popularly known in Konkani theatre circle as "Bab
Peter" - who passed away on 19-02-05 in Bahrain.
KGTS founder member, Cajetan de Sanvordem, commenced
the condolence meeting with a short prayer.
KGTS President Francis de Verna in his introductory
speech highlighted the great loss to all Konkani
Lovers. The President remembered Bab Peter as a young
lad when he rendered his first song in the Tiatr
"DOTH" directed by Bab Romald Fernandes (of Vasco).
Thereafter it was the late Alfred Rose who gave a
boost to Bab Peter by giving him a chance in his own
tiatrs. "Bab Peter's demise will surely leave a void
in the Konkani Tiatr circle".
Cajetan de Sanvordem remarked that Bab Peter's death
was a terrible blow to him. Bab Peter was a
happy-go-lucky person who always kept smiling. Bab
Peter spent his life happily without hurting others
and he would go out of his way to help his fellow
Tiatrist.
Another KGTS founder member Jose Rod fighting to
control his emotions, bid a tearful farewell to Bab
Peter whom he considered a dear friend. For Jose Rod,
he was among the best of buddies. He remembered Bab
Peter to be a person very much young at heart and
always made others feel comfortable and at ease while
conversing with them. Tears flowing down his cheeks
Jose Rod recollected various aspects of their lives as
friends. On a final note Jose Rod remarked "it is
very difficult to come across such a dear friend and a
Tiatrist".
Junnifer Rod (KGTS founder member) remembers Bab Peter
very well since 1964. They both took part in a singing
competition (Natalamchi Bhett programme) organized by
late Alfred Rose in Bangwaddi (Mumbai). Bab Peter was
adjudged as the first prize winner while Junnifer Rod
stood second. When the news broke out about him, there
was very little that could be done but pray. Bab
Peter's death had come as a shock.
KGTS Vice President Sylvester Vaz expressed deep
sorrow when he heard that Bab Peter is no more.
Sylvester recalled that he had the opportunity to be a
part of Jose Rod's drama "Tujem Nanv Vhodd Zanv" in
Goa, and that’s when he first met Bab Peter. Bab
Peter greeted him with a warm smile and eventually had
won his heart.
Marcus Vaz, the initiator of KGTS, found himself short
of words to show how deeply he was hurt at the death
of Bab Peter. Choking with emotions, Marcus' parents
in Goa too were very much in sorrow, when the news was
conveyed to them. Bab Peter was remembered for his
association with Marcus Vaz since at a young age they
both acted in Tiatrs.
Comedian Philip remembered Bab Peter as a good friend
who used to make others feel at ease. He was always
helpful and treated other artistes with great respect
and dignity.
Manuel de Santa Cruz recalled that he saw Bab Peter
perform on stage years ago. He recollected that he
thought to himself that one day this child artiste
would come up in life on the Konkani Stage. The
popularity of Bab Peter bore testimony to these
thoughts. Manuel met Bab Peter in Goa on 16/12/2003
when he was introduced by Peter-Roshan. During their
conversation Bab Peter expressed happiness that Kuwait
based Goan Tiatrists had formed the "Kuwait-Goa
Tiatristanchi Sonvstha" to work for the benefit of the
retired senior most Konkani stage artistes and to
promote young talents.
Caji de Benaulim remarked that two years back while on
a short work assignment he was transferred to Bahrain,
and was having difficulty adjusting himself in a
remote area. It was during this lean period that Caji
started looking out for a friendly face and made
enquiries about Bab Peter. Before Caji could track Bab
Peter, the latter had come personally to visit Caji
and inquired about his well being. It was a great
gesture, Caji fondly remembers.
Dominic Araujo considered Bab Peter to be his
favourite singer and had appropriately nick-named him
the 'Muffler Man' befitting his style of wearing a
muffler around his neck for every appearance. His
death is very difficult to imagine. All we can do is
to pray for his soul.
Martin Martins stated that he knew Bab Peter for a
long time. They used to hang around in their village,
together with Bonaventure de Peitro, he fondly
recollected. His death is a great loss.
Mario de Majorda recalled his association with Bab
Peter was during Jose Rod's 'Tujem Nanv Vhodd Zanv'
drama staged in Kuwait and in the Gulf States. It was
during this Gulf tour that Bab Peter left a lasting
impression with his kind gesture of a concerned human
being and timely assistance where needed. Bab Peter
was truly a marvelous person.
Alas God has his own plans – May the soul of Bab Peter
rest in peace.
KGTS Managing Committee & Members
Kuwait Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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