Team Herald
CALANGUTE: For the past 35 years, German national Rudolf Schwartz has been more than just a tourist in Goa—he has been a guardian angel to many. Through his philanthropic work, Schwartz has helped establish three technical institutes in Siolim and Pernem, empowering countless young Goans with education and skills. But on what was meant to be another peaceful holiday, the 76-year-old found himself on the receiving end of reckless driving that left him seriously injured and battling pain instead of enjoying his visit.
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Late one night in February, Schwartz and his wife, Elfie, were returning to their hotel in Baga after dinner in Calangute. The couple, riding their Activa scooter at a slow and cautious speed, never saw the danger coming. In a flash, another scooter carrying two tourists rammed into them from behind before speeding away, leaving them sprawled on the ground. Elfie suffered minor scrapes, but Schwartz bore the brunt of the impact, unable to move as pain shot through his body.
Thankfully, a group of locals rushed to their aid. They attempted to call an ambulance, but the only available one was from a small hospital, which Schwartz, wary of inadequate facilities, declined. Understanding the urgency of his condition, the locals instead arranged for a taxi to take him back to his hotel, ensuring his scooter was also returned safely. The Good Samaritans even carried him up to his first-floor room, where he spent a restless night in pain, trying to contact friends for help.
Back in Germany, Schwartz’s orthopaedic neighbour advised him to seek immediate medical attention. By morning, a local contact arranged for his admission to a private hospital in Dona Paula, where doctors diagnosed him with a fractured hip bone. Surgery was the only option. After a successful procedure, Schwartz was discharged on the third day and returned to his hotel to begin physiotherapy. What was meant to be a rejuvenating three-week vacation had turned into a painful ordeal.
“Rudolf has done so much for the youth here, and it is heartbreaking to see him suffer due to someone else’s irresponsibility,” said Dr Shekhar Salkar. Nikita Narvekar, CEO of Sunshell Digital Marketing and a past beneficiary of the ISEAF, also visited him to express her gratitude and check on his condition. “His contributions have changed lives, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
While locals showed exemplary kindness in helping Schwartz, the hit-and-run incident raises serious questions about traffic enforcement in Goa. As Schwartz continues his recovery, he remains hopeful that his beloved Goa will take steps to improve road safety—so that others do not have to endure what he has.
For now, the ‘guardian angel’ of many young Goans finds himself relying on the very community he has spent decades helping, a bitter-sweet twist to his enduring bond with the State he calls his second home.
