Father of Opinion Poll It is not exactly known as to who conferred the title on Dr.Jack De Sequeira.It has been respectfully appropriated by grateful Goans , who revere Dr Jack in the depths of their hearts and minds. It was he alone who conceived the move , when DB after a simple majority was enamoured that merger could be passed in the Assembly by simple majority. Immediate action to seek central intervention was born to thwart ridiculous moves that would forever derail destiny of Goa It is in the Assembly that idea ofOpion Poll was conceived . First concerns ever germinated in the Goa Assembly. Such an idea did evolve in Raja Sabha or at some fancy conferences. It is birth child of Dr. Sequeira ,where he was unanimously elected as the First President UGP, which he stitched and was also nominated as the Leader of Opposition..He was not recommended by anyone to be an MLA for 4 cosequetive terms. He was not one time MLA, nor a nominated member of Raja Sabha. In fact he was not seeker of fame , position and power ,as in humility he sought retirement after four wins and with the defeat took an unprecedent decision to resign ,unlike politicians wanting to die with boots on. The controversy of beig designated as Father of opinion poll smacks of jealousy and envy .Father of India is undoubtedly MG ,and there cannot be "two fathers ". Trying to shine bright by extinguishing the light ofothers is poor option of promoting self worth .Any organisation always has a leader representing it, be it in sports, defence, industry Govt, organisations etc. It does not belittle the valiant support ,cooperation ,contributions of other prominent members. As leader wears the crown of glory of efforts ,collective wisdom and sacrifices of his devoted and dedicated colleagues . That is the norm and standard practice that achievements in principle are attributed to the leader . Dr.Jack was neither promoted and recommended by any political luminary of repute or the idea of opinion poll suggested by external political pundit ,but it sprung up in the Assembly, sensing the danger to the identity of Goa. Various steps were taken including numerous delegations meeting political authorities .Just having been a member of delegation with influence does not suo mottu bestow the title of another father of opinion poll in reckoning nor it is legitimate grievance of sharing the title .It is a move to dethrone leader with selfish motives. It is a confirmed fact that no member of the UGP has ever overtly or covertly staked claim to such spontaneous, unofficial title.It is true that there were sharp differences ,disagreements of party members that opinion poll be either for merger or separate state, so that the ghost of State will not be further agitatited ,resurrected and best avoided and which forecast came to be true. However in public the UGP fought unitedly for unequivocal success of the accepted proposal.The split surfaced after the victory of historic Opinion Poll..The charismatic leadership of Dr Jack made a difference to galvanize Goans to win the poll.It goes without saying that the leaders , communities were united with single mind and purpose to preserve the uniquec identity of Goa .It is a fact that South Goa gave a decisive verdict to win by a massive majority and wipe out the the gloom of defeat The centenary celebrations were a damp squib, Govt adoptig an attitude of stoic silence and indifference.It was no surprise as Govt officials never ever officially or indirectly participated in celebrations of Opinion Poll " Asmitai Dis" on.16.Jan. Right thinking Goans are disappointed with the apathy towards meaningful recognition with the victory preserving identity culture and language. There is a reference in history of Chieftains Revolt, but to include or mention in history book about Opinion Poll is not worthy .Many others not relevant or specific to history of Goa have occupied a place of honour, except Opinion Poll. The Congress party when in power resorted to lip service and did precious little to perpetuate his memory in gratitude that he rightfully deserved.The privilege motion now by a political novice debutant, first time MLA and LOP is to stir hornest nest and is not expected to be fruitful. The tribute to the one ,who wanted to destroy identity ,culture, language is glorified in the new Assembly complex of Goa State is meaningless, ludicrous ,as State ignores the respect and honour due to Dr. Jack .I wonder why Vajpayjee ,S Prassad mukerjee are celebrated and what is their specific contributions to Goa.? In which other state of India Dr.Jack will find recognition , if not his native State ,where he toiled continuously .If Goa exists and makes us proud to inherit his vision and legacy. The monuments to DB as first CM of the union territory prominently displayed at Old Secretariat and Samadhi too reminds of his position.In contrast the staues of reverence to perpetuate memory of Dr Jack are entirely people's effort situated at Candolim, Dona Paula, Merces waddi, Opinio Poll square at Fatorda and at Ambelim in Salcette being a first such honour . The efforts and sacrifices ,vision of opinion poll are overlooked for due recognition.PCTrust ,Chinchinim ,founded and award/ citation for topper at SSC, GBSHSE with a minimum of Rs 15000= from 2024 and yearly essay to emphasize victory opinion poll contest and its consequences .Except for Eng Filip N Rodrigues, none of past and present politicians have responded . The family support in this initiative is very encouraging No political earthquake will ever burry the cobtribution of Dr.Jack in the suggestion of maiden opinion poll in India. If Goa was merged there would be no Cabinet and Goa would be represented by just two MLA,'s one MP and administrative powers vested in District Collector Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
