DIANA FERNANDES
PANJIM: Joao Eduardo de Sequeira, popularly known as Dr Jack Sequeira, was Goa’s reason for survival and it is in his memory that a road was named after him in Merces, the village which fell in the constituency from where he was elected as a legislator. Had he been alive, he would’ve been celebrating his 100th birthday on April 20. But his memory is not forgotten. His three daughters, who still live in Campal, along with residents of the area have decided to organise a programme in honor of the father of the Opinion Poll.
The eldest of the three, Margot Fernandes, like her sisters thinks the honor is befitting as she recalls the days her father spent in the Campal colony. “My father was a simple man and the people of the area knew that. It is wonderful to see that though the programme is on a small scale, it is coming from the heart,” said Fernandes.
“This is an initiative of the Campal Residents Association and the CCP. I think it is a befitting honour to the father of the Opinion Poll and it is only right to keep his memory alive,” said his daughter, Maria Teresa Mehta who also lives in the Campal area where her father lived.
The youngest of the three, Dr Lillia Sequeira e Sukhija who runs a clinic in the city said it was a proud moment not only for her but for everyone in Goa. “I’m proud of the fact that the association is taking up plans of celebrating my father’s birth centenary. I think it’s a good thing that he is being recognized for all his hard work,” said Dr Sukhija adding that the members of the association will be meeting with the CCP to finalise the plans.
Local resident Patricia Pinto, too highlighted the need for a programme like this to enlighten the youth of today on the work he did. “A lot of the younger generation are not aware of the hard work and tireless efforts Dr Sequeira put in during his time, this is the best time to highlight his work,” said Pinto.
The Francisco Luis Gomes Garden’s white bandstand too will be getting a revamp thanks to the celebration plans later this month.
A colorful mural for the floor of the bandstand depicting “mother earth in a yin yang format” surrounded by colorful fish, dragonflies and lotuses, designed by artist Shalu Sharma is just one of the many plans for a programme to celebrate 100 years of the father of the Opinion Poll’s birthday. Though the programme has not been finalized, a military band and guest speakers are in the list of events to be held on April 19, a day before Dr Sequeira’s birthday.
