Today (Wednesday) is the 12th day rememberance of an institution, an idealogue, an inspiration, a nutritionist par excellence, a doctor, a man who sought to bring about a revolution in society, Dr Narayan (Somnath) Vinayak Sinai Dumo or Dhume passed away on November 28 into the pages of history at the age of 81.
After receiving his medical degree in 1963, he joined the government of Goa’s Department of Health as medical officer. After working in various talukas, in 1969, he was awarded a scholarship by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was sent to the prestigious National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, for a masters degree in Applied Nutrition.
After completing it, he returned to Goa and began implementing various national diet and nutrition programme. He was awarded a special education scholarship to the Netherlands in 1975 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Later he was selected for a course in special education at the World Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome. During this assignment, he gained valuable experience by visiting various institutions in Tehran and Bangkok.
Dr Dumo returned to Goa in 1985-1986, joined the Health Department where he commissioned a project on diet and nutrition at the suggestion of the University of Mumbai.
He collaborated with the National Service Scheme and started its implementation in Goa. Prior to that, he was promoted as state nutrition officer for Goa.
After his retirement in 1997, he channeled his rich experience to initiate social reforms in educational, political and social activities. He was instrumental in the formation of the local political party, Goa Suraj Party. Corruption in politics and decline in ethics in politics infuriated him and thus the Goa Suraj Party was born with like-minded people concerned about society to bring about a revolution.
He was a staunch believer in including locally grown vegetables in the diet and firmly objected to consuming carbonated soft drinks and junk food. He consistently advocated eating the right food at the right time.
Discipline was his inherent forte and his pro-active campaign of a nutritious diet focussing on organic and local healthy greens like shepechi bhaji, nachni, pez is truly valuable and pertinent to all times.
Born on the picturesque island of Cumbharjua on July 15, 1939, Dr Dumo was the eldest son of renowned temple historian Itharas Visharad Late Vinayak Narayan Shenavi Dhume, yet another institute of high repute.
Doctor Dumo had an interesting witty style of conversation and we enjoyed his company. Many young minds including myself rallied under his dynamic volcanic leadership.
Dotor was part of many game-changing movements such as the Anti-SEZ movement of 2007 and People's Movement for Civic Action to name a few. He was a sincere, honest man of integrity and fiery disposition. We will miss him. Goa will miss this great Goan Dr Narayan (Somnath) Vinayak Sinai Dumo. Om Shanti.
