MARGAO: In a tragic incident, senior-most member of the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC), Nazareth Nicolas Fernandes died in an accident reported at Old Goa on Wednesday night.
Earlier on Wednesday, 79-year-old Nazareth had attended the “satyagraha” which is being staged in Old Goa since November against the “illegal” bungalow constructed near a protected monument in the heritage village. Born on September 10, 1942, Nazareth is survived by two sons.
Moreover, Nazareth was SOGAC’s founder member and part of various protests and campaigns to protect Old Goa.
He was one of the regular volunteers, who would sit for the chain hunger strike (satyagraha) which commenced on the first day of St Francis Xavier’s novena. While his funeral is expected to take place on Friday, tributes poured in for Nazareth, who was very popular in Old Goa and amongst church volunteer groups.
SOGAC Treasurer Hugo Gonsalves said they were shocked by the sad news and praised Nazareth for being well connected with the people.
Gonsalves said Nazareth would entertain the crowd with his songs and would always volunteer for the St Francis Xavier’s feast.
Anthony da Silva from Assolna said they are all saddened by the news of Nazareth’s demise and recalled his (Nazareth’s) contributions to the Old Goa protests. Other volunteers were upset that Nazareth could not see the bungalow demolished.
The committee members, priests and the church staff from Old Goa expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.
