Dr Jack De Sequeira eclipsed The father of opinion poll has not received due recognition till date In fact needless controversy is created to deny the popular title bestowed by public appreciation.Victory of opinion poll has ensured unique identity , it's language , culture and harmony.It is pertinent to note that the movement for opinion poll was generated in the Legislative Assembly and outside support was secondary.It was under his leadership, an eloquent, convincing speaker pursued relentlessly the opinion poll, the first time ever in Indian history .There is no doubt thinkers lent support to a worthy cause and put shoulder to the wheel to realise the dream.The leader in any movement is one while the role of supporters cannot be belittle.In the freedom movement of India Mahatma Ghandhi is called father of Nation which in no way ignores the contributions of stalwarts and legions of freedom fighters etc The UGP erred in not supporting Naik , a splinter group to form the Govt.Dr Sequeira claimed leadership being largest party, had it not been so MGP would have been vanquished forever There was also a difference of opinion within UGP that opinion poll should determine whether to merge or ask for separate state.This difference led to split in the party as Dr Sequeira adamantly refused..As it was expected the idea of State and language was a battle royal to realise the statehood et al. Nevertheless the party unitedly worked for the successful victory of the Opinion poll.It is a fallacy that South Goa landslide support is due to catholic community .It is farther from the truth and reality .As the movement progressed Mr.Bandodkar realised that he was being sidelined and personally regretted his decision but it was too far and late to withdraw from idea of merger..Once again MGP was in the sadle and massive educational growth favoured proliferation of Marathi medium schools keeping it with their indirect love for merger.One might ask why there is not a single Kon school nor Kon as language is taught in any institution in Maharashtra when there is a large population speaking konkanni .Today these schools are closing like falling of nine pins.It also led to infusion of Marathi teachers and deputationist.The first CM a staunch mergerist is honoured in the Assembly and is an irony , who literally worked to obliterate our identity, even though his life statute stands at the old secretariat.The honour and due recognition to the Father of opinion poll has eluded to date and is deliberate insult and lack of recognition.The Congress party now crying hoarse did precious little to honour him when in power in the state and at the centre.Their rumblings are only playing to public gallery for political mileage now being out of power Remember it was the Congress Govt that sanctioned the opinion poll granted statehood and language. The Govt dodges a chapter on opinion poll forget about his legimate statue in the Assembly.The grateful Goans on their own have raised his statues in the North and South Goa to honour his monumental achievements.The Govt is loath to even officially observe Asmitai din on 16 January as it was solemnly assured If Goa was merged ,then it would be just another district of Maharashtra with two MLA's. One MP and one district Collector.The 40 MLA's now in power would not have occupied the posts of Ministers, Speaker forget about being a CM and deputy CM.In which state of India will Dr.Sequeira find a place of honour if not in Goa? In the news today of digital lmuseum at the cost of Rs 125 crores by contribution from centre and state to honour Chatrapati Shiwaji Maharaj. Is it a priority for Goa.? Such a project would have been befitting to recognise the freedom fighters politicians of Goa.The number of Shiwaji statues in Goa is alarming albeit with Govt.patronisation.There is enough recognition in the native state of Maharashtra in cluding an island in his name PC Trust sent personal appeals and by posts to past and present legislators including MPs.The response was disappointing as only ONE Eng Fillipe Neri responded .Nevertheless an award of Rs 15000 = with citation is being distributed to the Topper at SSC. GBSHSE and will be an yearly event.An essay competition on Dr Sequeira was held in one College and High school in South Goa.This modified activity will be in operation with cash award and citations to one school, Higher Secondary and a College alternatively in North and South Goa with cash awards and citations Unfortunate the press neglected the news of application and publicity to recipients The idea of statues standing in solitary position without any history or regular maintenance etc is outdated concept.but it is still a way to salute leaders .Even Ram Manohar Lohia has to his credit Lohia Maiden in Margao.The restoration of home Francis Luis Gomes is crying for action Our bridges. airports harbours and buildings etc must be named after Goans. The Goans will forever cherish the memory of Dr Sequeira in their hearts and mind for his contributions We are proud Goans everywhere because of victory of Opinion poll that ensured State of Goa with all its benefits Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
