TEAM HERALD
DABOLIM: Former Mormugao legislator Vasantrao Suburai Joshi (92) passed away at SMRC hospital on Saturday morning.
The mortal remains of Joshi will be cremated at the Vasco crematorium on Sunday at 11 am.
Fondly known as Anna to his family, friends and well-wishers, Joshi was an iconic personality in the port town as he was identified in various fields, including business, automobiles, social service and politics. Joshi was the MLA of Mormugao constituency from 1972 to 1977, after getting elected on the MGP ticket.
Joshi had the distinction of being the first person to get the Ambassador car showroom in the Goan market, and he was also involved in Bajaj automobiles and other motor vehicle showrooms in Vasco, which are now being looked after by his descendents.
Besides focusing on business, Joshi also gave importance to education and founded the lone degree college ‘MES College of Arts and Commerce’ in Vasco city, which was later shifted to Zuarinagar. Joshi also founded the Margao Hindu Samaj and also played a major role in getting the Janta Vachanalay in Vasco city.
Following the demise of his father, Joshi carried on the tradition of keeping the Shreefal in front of the Lord Damodar Temple, which marked the famous Saptah festival in the port town. Due to his ill-health, Joshi handed over this tradition to his son, Paresh.
