Dr. A. Freddy Fernandes
PANJIM: Prof Sergio Carvalho, a retired professor of Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho Panjim, died on April 27, 2025 at the age of 83. Without a doubt he was one of the most amiable teachers at Nirmala. He was better known as one of the pioneers of activism in Goa and a true blooded Goan who fought for sons of the soil, along with greats such as the towering Matanhy Saldanha and few others.
Prof. Sergio Carvalho was the Convenor of the Jagrut Goenkaranchi Fouz - JGF (Army of Vigilant Goans) which launched a relentless battle against unplanned and destructive tourism, courtesy the Congress governments of the 1980s. He was also the founder editor of ‘The Goan Weekly’ and member of Gomant Lok Pokx founded by Matanhy Saldanha. Prof Carvalho also worked along with Matanhy for the welfare of traditional fishermen at part of the Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott.
Prof. Carvalho with pall bearers carrying a mock coffin with the words “Goenkar Melo” infront of the then Secretariat (Adil Shah place) is a stark image which come to mind, when we remember his as an activist for the many causes of Goa.
Publisher and Columnist Fredrick Noronha told O Heraldo, “Sergio's involvement in critiquing the impact of mass tourism on Goa was way before its time. His many campaigns didn't translate into votes in the first-past-the-post electoral system we labour under, but this hardly means these didn't have their value then and now. I'll remember his support for dissent, questioning and even the alternate media. He converted into a postcard a photo (by photographer Sandeep Naik) of policemen lathi-charging young girl students infront of the old Secretariat, freezing it in our memories.”
Roland Martins, Coordinator of GoaCan remembers, “The infamous (Congress) Tourism Master Plan was scrapped after the consistent campaign by JGF. The then Govt was forced to provide the plan in a printed format in July 1987, appoint a Sub Committee chaired by Architect Charles Correia who eventually recommend it's scrapping in February 1988.”
“The JGF was conceptualized in the lock up in Panjim Police station on 5th June 1987 after the protesters against the Tourism Master Plan were arrested at Hotel Fidalgo,” Roland Martins told O Heraldo.
It is reported in the media, that in a daring exploit, on 7th November, the birthday of Prof Sergio Carvalho, a group led by him threw cow dung and rotten shrimps on tourists buses carrying German tourists who arrived by the first charter at Dabolim Airport. He along with the JGF volunteers were arrested at Dabolim Airport and were taken to Vasco Police Station. They were released only late night. The message in German on the banner was "Charter Tourists Go back."
Dr. Rita Paes, former Principal of Nirmala Institute of Education (NIE) and Director recalled, “Sergio was one of our colleagues and fiercely championed the cause of the environment even as a lecturer. He was also well loved by his students.”
Dr Russel D’Souza, Principal of NIE, recounted, “Prof Sergio was my teacher in 1998-99. I remember him as a kind, loving, jovial teacher. He always encouraged his students to compete with themselves. And held no grudge against anyone.”
Dr Michael Gonsalves, Senior Journalist based in Pune told O Herald, “Prof. Carvalho was a very non conventional teacher, very warm, very personal. Egged on by Prof Carvalho we as students participated in some social justice issues, we were in the streets protesting and he instilled in us a sense of social justice. Not to be armchair teachers, but to get involved with the movement of the people for their rights.”
Fatima Pereira, Senior Educationist at Sharda Mandir High School says, “He was a multitasking educational rock star and epitome of goodness. To us his students, he was a down to earth personality who walked the talk, a perfect example of integrity. His towering figure both intellectual and physical commanded respect and attention. His elegant demeanor and fun-loving nature added aura to his classroom, making complex philosophical concepts captivating. He encouraged everyone to challenge assumptions and perspectives. Sir Sergio’s legacy lives through the countless lives he has touched.”
Diogo Seby Pinto, Retired Senior Educationist & Musician recalls, “Prof Sergio Carvalho was more than a Professor to me. He taught me real life lessons through his work as an activist and environmentalist. I was inspired by his love for environment and we as students always took part in the protests on the streets, be it on issues like unhealthy tourism or environmental degradation. His classroom lectures were always interesting and practical. He had great teaching skills which I picked up in my career as a teacher. “Strive and you shall make it to the top” were the words that linger in my mind till today. RIP Prof Sergio.”
Adeus, Prof Sergio Carvalho !