Speakers recall roles in Opinion Poll, Konkani stir
Former union minister Ramakant Khalap speaks at a condolence meet organized at Fr Agnel Central School, Pilar to remember the first MLA of St Andre late Teotonio Pereira.
OLD GOA
Various speakers cutting across political lines remembered St Andre’s first MLA Teotonio Pereira for his contribution towards various causes like Opinion Poll, Konkani agitation among others.
Speaking at a condolence meet organized at Fr Agnel Central School, Pilar on Sunday, the speakers also remembered Pereira as a simpleton, down to earth person who worked for the betterment of the society and the constituency at large.
Among the speakers included former union minister Ramakant Khalap, former speaker Tomazinho Cardozo, St Andre MLA Francisco Silveira, AAP leader Ramrao Wagh, St Andre Congress leader Tony Fernandes, former law secretary and district judge Pramod Kamat, Fr Frederick Rodrigues of Pilar Society, Aruna Wagh, son Marshal, daughter Melba and others.
Speaking on the occasion, Khalap said that late Pereira treated everybody as equal irrespective of their religion, language or eating habits.
“Though we worked against each other politically, we and our families were very close,” Khalap recalled.
“I request that his speeches in the Assembly should be published in book form,” he stated while vividly remembering the late MLA, in Goa’s first Assembly session, citing a law that there should be an official language for the State.
Former speaker Cardozo said that Pereira was the only MLA who spoke in Konkani in the Assembly.
“While the MGP MLAs spoke in Marathi, the UGP MLAs either spoke in English or Portuguese. But Pereira was the lone MLA who spoke in Konkani,” Cardozo said while stating that his contribution towards the cause of Konkani was immense and it was very evident during the language agitation.
“He also actively supported Dr Jack Sequeira during the Opinion Poll due to which Goa remained a separate entity,” Cardozo informed and urged the people to keep his memories alive by forming a trust or renaming the Pilar junction after Pereira.
“Teotonio Pereira was respected, even after retirement from politics, due to his simple life and contribution towards various causes. The current politicians should learn from him,” said AAP leader Ramrao Wagh.
Recalling Pereira’s rich contribution in Opinion Poll and Konkani agitation, former law secretary and district judge Pramod Kamat urged the family members to continue his legacy through the formation of a trust and extended his help in doing the same.
