George Pinto wrote:

> Goa has thousands of lawyers but only a few of them active in social
> justice causes, some in Goan cyberspace. Why is a such an educated
> community largely missing-in-action in the fight for rights, equality,
> various social justice causes (anti-corruption, etc.), the fight against
> MOPA, and in designing sound public policy?
>

I'm not sure on what George is basing his argument. Has any study been done
on the contribution of lawyers in Goa? Or is this just based merely on what
noticed in the public debate?

Among the lawyers in Goa, there have been those on the frontlines of
campaigning for social justice. That they may not claim credit for it, or
blow their own trumpets, is another thing. Many have paid the price for
championing unpopular causes too.

For example:

* Adv Mario Pinto Almeida, protected tenants against the Seema giant in
Agonda.
* Adv Fr Michael Fernandes, priest-lawyer, campaigned against casteism too.
* Aires Rodrigues, known for his innovative use of RTI and against official
abuse of power.
* Adv Govind Bhobe, campaigning to protect the endangered salt industry in
Nerul.
* Adv Albertina Almeida, committed to women's issues, human rights,
secularism.
* Adv Caroline Colaco, a lifetime in women's campaigns.
* Adv Shanti Maria Fonseca, social concerns and much more.
* Adv Radharao Gracias, people's issues in the assembly.
* Adv/Prof Ave Cleto Afonso, translating old laws, justice issues.
* Adv Cleofato Coutinho, taking up public causes.
* Adv Nandita Haksar, d/o Indira Gandhi's key aide, fighting for human
rights in
  the NE and issues like secularism in Goa.

This is a very small list. It is only the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure
there are many others who deserve to be listed but are not listed here,
either because I don't know them or may have overlooked them in this
hurried mail.

FN +91-832-2409490 or +91-9822122436 f...@goa-india.org
  • ... George Pinto
    • ... Jose Colaco
      • ... Oscar Carmino Lobo
        • ... George Pinto
    • ... Marshall Mendonza
      • ... George Pinto
      • ... Frederick FN Noronha फ्रेड्रिक नोरोन्या *فريدريك نورونيا
        • ... George Pinto
          • ... Jose Colaco
            • ... George Pinto

Reply via email to