The Konkani Kala Kendr, Merces (KKKM) celebrated its annual ‘Opinion Poll Day’ on January 16, 2025 with a grand musical show titled, Ugddasachi Sanz. It was held near the Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces.
The musical programme included songs related to Goa, the Opinion Poll, Dr Jack Sequeira and other Goa-centric issues. All the songs were performed by noted singers of the Konkani stage, namely Xavier Gomes, Olga Vaz, Benny de Aldona, Peter de Arambol and Avers Pereira.
Noted singer, Pio Agnelo Fernandes and his musical troupe — Akhi Brown, Dinora Barreto, Sonia Fernandes and Sheena Gracias — were also on stage and they rendered foot-tapping songs on varied subjects.
For some laughter moments, there was comedian Luis Bachan all the way from the UK, and Brian, entertaining the audience with comedy.
For some laughter moments, there was comedian Luis Bachan all the way from the UK, and Brian, entertaining the audience with comedy.
WHAT THEY SAID
The chief guest at the show was Fr Kevin Fernandes, who is the assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces. The guest of honour was the principal of Fr Agnel High School, Pilar, Fr Pio Furtado.
Dr Lily Sequeira Sukhija, the daughter of the late Dr Jack de Sequeira, was also present on the occasion along with her family members.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Pio Furtado reminisced about the role played by Dr Jack de Sequeira by seeking an ‘Opinion Poll’ back then, and how it played a vital role in saving Goa’s unique identity.
He reminded the audience that Goans need to feel proud as it was Dr Jack de Sequeira who initiated the move to preserve Goa from being merged into Maharashtra.
He reminded the audience that Goans need to feel proud as it was Dr Jack de Sequeira who initiated the move to preserve Goa from being merged into Maharashtra.
“If Goa was merged with the neighbouring state,” Fr Furtado said, “we would be nowhere and our true identity would be lost forever.”
He added that we need to follow in Dr Jack’s footsteps and preserve the little that’s left of Goa for the future generations, keeping aside all our egos and selfish interests.
Fr Furtado criticised today’s politicians as being selfish and not having the best interests of Goa and its people at heart.
“Hills are cut endlessly, fields are converted into settlement zones, without a second thought of the future generations,” he said.
The chief guest, Fr Kevin Fernandes also voiced similar sentiments and said that such events help to pay rich tributes to all those who fought tirelessly for the growth and betterment of Goa.
“Keeping aside all our own interests, let us strive to preserve Goa and its identity for the new generations to follow after us,” he added.
The president of KKKM, Sebastiao Fernandes, also spoke on the occasion and explained the importance of holding such an event annually.
“We cannot forget Dr Jack Sequeira, who had a vision for Goa and Goans, and thus moved with a visionary mission,” he said.
Viriato Fernandes, member of KKKM also shared his views and thoughts about Dr Sequeira.
The entire event was co-ordinated by Robert Rodrigues, while Avito Pires de Menezes compered the function.
The musical band on stage was led by Nolvert Cota (trumpet) and included Melroy (keyboard), Sammy Braganza (trombone), Crusandio Pires (bass) and John de Maddel (drums).
The stage decor was done by Albi Events from Merces, and Messi from St Cruz provided the sound.