Remembering our dear Satish Sonak on his third death anniversary. On 7th April 2017 he left us so suddenly leaving all astounded. He was a great self-sacrificing fighter who untiringly worked in seeking justice for the poor, oppressed and the exploited. A true Goenkar he always was and will continue to inspire us all to do our bit to carry his mission forward.
Satish Sonak was a truly and ever so remarkable gentleman who cared about his fellow human beings, championing the causes particularly of the less privileged and disadvantaged strata of society around him, willing to stand up and dared to be counted where others feared to venture. A true friend and companion of the deprived, underprivileged and voiceless. Right from his student days Satish Sonak was an avid reader and fiery orator, whether in English, Konkani or Marathi. He also contributed thought provoking articles to several newspapers and had interviewed on television several eminent personalities in various fields of public life. Indeed he demonstrated fabulous skills of interviewing -- limiting himself to a minimum of verbiage and bringing forth from the interviewee the full range of his thoughts and experience. That showed us, the readers and viewers, Satish Sonak’s intellectual acumen Doing justice to his profession as a lawyer he became one of the foremost human rights warriors, taking up many causes such as the rights of women and children, marginalized tribes, the physically and mentally disadvantaged, anti-corruption and the rights of the common man. During the 1979 student agitation for 50% bus concession I was very privileged to work alongside him. Even in death, his donation was the gift of his precious eyesight to another human being. Satish Sonak was indeed an inspiration to all and particularly the youth of Goa who are now the only hope for fast our sinking State. Satish Sonak did everything possible for Goa. He was strongly opposed to corruption and the menacing culture of Casinos engulfing the State. Goa's greed-infected political class should introspect and reflect as to the manner in which they have continued the rank and blatant degradation of Goa, something that Satish Sonak was always very concerned and extremely disturbed about. Satish Sonak led a very simple and humble life. He may have been one of the few established Advocates in Goa who never owned a four wheeler. While we remember the great and distinguished soul, let us vow to steadfastly carry on that great vision and mission that he had embarked on. He had brought hope and solace to those around. We can all do it in this unprecedented current catastrophe that has struck humanity. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com