The recent grave error committed by the Forensic Department at Goa Medical College (GMC), where GMC disposed the body of 24-year-old Januz Gonsalves from Aldona in place of an unclaimed body, has left the entire state in shock.
While a number of decisions have been taken in the aftermath, there’s no changing what has happened and this is an unthinkable form of cruelty to the grievingfamily, who had to hold a funeral for their beloved without the body.
Café spoke to a cross section of the youth and many spoke about how they would possibly react had they been in such as situation:
What hits me the most is the picture of a smiling Januz. We may not know him but we get to hear so many things about him. He was a young boy just like us; we go out to play so often and it is difficult to even imagine what would have been the scenario if this had to happen to one of us.The family and friends must be going through so many emotions and you have to think all this could have been avoided. No one deserves to be treated like this.
ADRIAN FERNANDES, Margao
I see a lot of political posturing these days and a strong blame game going around. As we hear about more details, it is clear that the system in place had faults and there was a high level of apathy. Immediate steps have to be taken to ensure that there is a complete overhaul of this system and all the gaps and problems need to be sorted out so that this does not happen to anyone else.This is a black day in Goa’s history and the entire state stands with Januz’s family.
RAVIRAJ GAONKAR, Ponda
I keep reading about the kind of mistakes that led to this but it still baffles me how the authorities could have allowed the situation to reach to such a stage, where there could have even been a possibility for such an error to occur. It is astounding that such problems can happen and it is a matter of huge shame for Goa Medical College.I have seen videos of the family at the hospital but can’t fathom to imagine the kind of agony, anger and pain they must have felt when they discovered what had happened.
ISAAC MENEZES, Porvorim
As someone who has lost a family member recently, I know that there came a point when I was numb to people saying, ‘I can’t imagine what you must be going through.’ The pain one experiences when you lose someone is indescribable.There is a saying,‘No parent should have to outrun their children.’ The family will be ripped apart and my thoughts are with them. Funeral is sacred and it is paying your respects to the departed.To not have the body is just not done! I am sure the memory and legacy of Januz will be remembered by us.
JOSLIN DSOUZA, Nuvem
Today it has happened to Januz, tomorrow it can happen to you.The story of Januz’s life is something many can relate to and to have such a young boy pass away is in itself a very, very sad thing and my heart goes out to his family, his friends.I hope that this does not fade way; that in few years, there is no repetition and another family has to suffer the way Januz’s family had to endure this horrible ordeal. We need to know what changes are being put in place at the morgues across Goa.
ASIF KHAN, Vasco
Candlelight procession
“Candlelight procession in memory of late Januz Pavel Gonsalves at the Aldona Tercena on October 3, 2018 from 6:30 pm onwards. We, as a society as a whole, have failed Januz Pavel Gonsalves and his bereaved family and owe them love and respect, which we will try and convey during this candlelit procession. We had promised Januz a farewell celebration on September 29, 2018, but were unable to do so due to the criminal negligence on the part of the GMC in disposing off his last remains.
Januz was a young man at peace with himself. He was contemplative and silent. It is therefore fitting that the candlelit procession will be a silent and contemplative one. There will be no violence of action or thought. Everyone who cares is invited to attend. All are requested to carry their own candles and lights. There will be no parking at the Tercena. The procession will start from Januz’s family home in Goncoi, Aldona and follow his favourite path through the fields past Columba Residency; others can join at various points and congregate at the Tercena. Anyone who wants to sing any of Januz’s favourite music or their own music, read poems (no speeches please) is welcome to so.”
HESTON SEQUEIRA, Aldona, via Facebook