RESPONSIBILITY AND GOAN ROADS

Along with the rising temperature this summer, there has been a sharp increase in the deaths related to road accidents. The first half of 2016 produced some truly chilling statistics with the death toll for the month of January and February reaching 59 persons. April 2016 saw a staggering 11 deaths in just 5 days. While one may have heard, and received, cautionary advice at the beginning of the monsoon season owing to the slippery roads, perhaps we also need to caution each other at the start of every summer in a similar way. After all, the rising temperature seems to be making our roads, quite literally, hotbeds for fatal accidents.

How does one discuss the tragic deaths on the roads, and also the general usage of and safety on roads? The obvious question to ask is, “who is responsible?” Is it the State or the motorists? With academic studies and road accident reports reflecting that most accidents are caused by reckless motorists, it does appear that the individual driver is at fault for recklessness on the roads. I do not wish to argue against these findings, rather I would like to add to them so that when we debate the issue of road safety, we do not slip into an ‘either/or’ position.

There was a common thread running through the statements of the many activists working on road safety that O Heraldo’s Vibha Verma interviewed – that reckless driving was the cause of accidents. For instance, Ruan Mendes, an activist, observes, “One should not hold the authorities responsible alone, but he/she [the motorist] should take every precautionary measure and diligently follow traffic rules…” This reckless driving is more serious, it was argued, with persons who operate heavy-vehicles, as they are the ones who cause the most number of accidents. Thus, heavy-vehicles and reckless driving emerge as the deadly combo that is driving the accident rate through the roof.

However, the recent and tragic death of two women at Tilamol, Quepem should make us think about faulty economic policies of the State a bit more critically. This is not the first time that people have been killed at the very same spot in Tilamol. If we go back in time in 2010, a rasta roko was staged by the angry inhabitants of Curchorem and Quepem after a similar incident where a man was crushed to death. This was at the time when mining-related transportation was in full swing. Six years later, another mining-related heavy-vehicle is the cause of two deaths. While the residents of Quepem and Curchorem, then as now, demanded a separate bypass road solely for the purpose of mining transportation, nothing has come of the demand. What this also indicates is that the State is not able to effectively balance between the flow of economic activities – of which transport/roads form a major part – and the everyday life of the common people. Thus, while the person at the wheel of a heavy-vehicle is indeed indulging in reckless and potentially harmful behavior, the lack of foresight and planning on the part of the State aggravates the problem.

Similarly, one can think of road-widening projects as being counter-productive for the general safety on roads. It increasingly appears that roads are widened or repaired so that they would look good, rather than properly regulate the flow of traffic – for the traffic-flow does not improve substantially. What further complicates the situation in Goa is that the tiny or narrow roads in the villages can immediately meet a national highway, and cause confusion in the minds of the drivers. The new bypass roads constructed as an aid to the existing highways are a good example, as they run through rice-fields and villages. That land is fast depleting in Goa should also make us realize that road-widening is not a viable option.

So, we are slowly coming to realize the intervention by the State through policing, fines, awareness campaigns, regulations, and infrastructure development is not helping. Further the suitability of the urban and economic vision of the State, which privileges a neo-liberal, faster-bigger-is-better vision, should really be examined again. Rather than asking whom one should blame, it might be more useful to demand that thorough professionals be employed who are committed to a vision of streamlining and regulating the existing roads in Goa – with their close proximity to houses, trees, and other structures. Possibly, each and every road needs to be studied as to how this links to other roads and what is the best way to regulate it. In other words, the network of village, taluka, district, and city roads need to be studied as a particularly Goan problem, if we would like a meaningful solution. That and providing efficient public transport may be the only meaningful solution to the problems on roads.

I have in the past argued that the experience of Goan roads is marred by the aggression that motorists subject each other to. We need to recognize how individual behavior frustrates the implementation of state policies that are obviously beneficial, and how faulty state policies lead to chaos – and even death on roads. Both are two sides of the same coin.

Illustration: Angela Ferrao. 

(First published in O Heraldo, dt: 11 May, 2016)

AMERIKECHEA NEW ORLEANS RAJEACHEA KUTTUMBAM-NEAYLOYACHI NITIDARN BERNADETTE D’SOUZA HICHÊ KODDLI MULAKHÔT

Vhoddlem Bhatt, Kepem, Gõy, hangasôr zolmololi Bernadette D’Souza, hea vorsa Fevrerachea mhoineant, Amerikechea New Orleans rajeant Kuttumbam-Neayloyachi Mon’subidarn (Family Court Judge) mhunn sutram hatant ghetlim ani tichem nanv  Amerikecheam toxench Bharotantleam potrancher  gazlem.  Kepenchim  tichim ghorchim opurbayen  “Busha” mhunn ulo kortat. Jednam Kris Kiefer ani Janet Ahern, tiche don virodi, sortintlim bhair sorlim. tednam  Bernadett-achem zoit nischit zalem. Zoita uprant, Bernadettan mhollem, “Hea poileach Kuttumbam-Neayaloyachi zobabdari svikarun amchê neay-vevosthent vavr korunk ani Attorney Janet Ahern ani Kris Kiefer hê sortintlim bhair sorun mhozo vavr beginuch suru  korunk  ji itihasik son’di  mhaka dilea, tea mhojea somazantleam soglleam vangddiank hanv dhin’vastam.  Sogllê gombhirtayen hanv hi zobabdari samballtolim mhunn  hanv tumkam asvason ditam ani mhojê borê seventlean tumcho obhiman zoddtolim mhonn utor ditam.”

Bombay Univerisity-ntlean podvi melloylea uprant, Bernadettan New Orleans-antlê Tulane University-ntlean ‘Law’ podvi zôddli.  1978 vorsa tinnem Amerikent rabito kelo ani atam vhoddponn zoddloleam Keith Vaz, Bobby Jindal, Sunita Williams hanchê sangatim tichea-i nanvacho ul’lêkh zata. Sabar puroskar-ui tika favo zaleat.

Meklleponan aplea jivita vixim uloytanam, Bernadette D’Souza-n, Mumboi ani Kepem, aplea ganvghora sarlolea  bhurgeponnantleam yadincher ani havesancher uzvadd ghatlo.

Tujem bhurgeponn tujea ganv-ghora Kepem, Gõyant, tunvem sarlem.  Têch bhaxen tuzo bapuy Sorgest Tony Gomes êk famad songitkar aslo. Tujea bhurgeaponna ani bapay vixim  amkam thoddem sangxi?

Anthony (Tony) ani Esmeralda Gomes oslim mogall avoy ani bapuy mhaka favo zalim.  Kepeant sarlolea mhojea bhurgeponantleô movall yadi mhojea kallzant ghott asat.  Dôr gimalleachê suttiyent ami Gõyam amchea xamãy-xapayk João ani Anamaria Gomes hankam bhettunk vetaleanv.  Soglleam soireank mellun ami moujen sutti sartaleanv.  Mhozo avoy-bapuy amchea ghorant soglleam soireank boro yevkar ditalo.  Porbeche dis chodd khuxalbhorit astale.  Ghorant soglloch bovall ani umêd.  Mhaka yad zata, eka borea somajik vavra khatir duddu ekttãi korunk,  Novea Vorsachê rati, mhojea bapayn ek nach ayojit kelo.  Hanv taka polleunk gelolem.  Khup lôk zalolo ani soglleamnim mhojea bapayk tachê doyall kornnê pasot vakhannlolo.  Tem khinn ekê dhuvechem kalliz gorvan bhorpa sarkhem aslem.  Gorjevontank adar diunk mhozo bapuy kednach fattim sorunk nam.

Mhozo bapuy Bollywood-antlo êk vhôdd songitkar aslo .  Haka lagun mhojem bhurgeponn hanvem Mumboi sarchem poddlem.  Mhojea jivitacher tachoch chôdd probhav poddlo.  Toch zalo mhozo adorx vô nomunno.  Film recording studio-nt to mhaka zaitê pavtti vhortalo ani to guitar vazoytanam hanv taka polletalem.   Fuddariponnache zaite gunn hanvem mhojea bapay koddleanuch apnnayleat.  Hindi cholchitramnim ‘electric guitar’ vazovpi mhozo bapuy poilo songitkar [See video below/ vidio polloy].  Tachê borobôr astanam, music directors-ank ani yeram songitkarank to mhoji vollôk korun ditalo ani mhaka tacho khup obhiman bhogtalo.  Tachea okosmat zalolea mornnan mhoji jinn rikami zali ani hêch bhavnentlean  mhaka mhojê jinnechi tengxi choddunk sfurti mell’li.  Tannem zôddlolem daiz mhojê jinnecho vantto zala ani sodam tosoch urtolo.

Tum Gõychem katolik cheddum-bhurgem.  Mumboi xarant vaddtanam tunvem koslo onnbhov kelo?

Mumboi xarant ami zõi ravtalim thõisôr choddan-chodd Gõycheam  katolikamnim  rabito kelolo.  Hanv laginch aslolea eka katolik iskolant xiktalem.  8  bhburgeam modlem hanv vhoddlem.  Mhojea bapayk zai aslem mhaka borem xikop mell’lolem; mhonnun tannem mhaka Gõyam, Xiolechea eka konventachea boarding-ant, dovorlem.  Xikxonnachem mhotv to sodanch mhaka pottoun ditalo ani mhojê koddli vhôdd opekxa taka asli.  Hanv iskolant borê bhaxen vavurlem ani mhojê klaxint ‘head girl’ zalem.  Fuddlem xikop korunk porot Mumboi ailem ani Mumboi Vidyapitthantlean ‘Psychology’ hantuntlean hanvem podvi melloyli.

1978 vorsa tum Amerikent ailem.  Hangasôr tum xikxonnik karonnank lagun ailem vô dusro koslo-i  ud’dês aslo?

Dr. Terrance D’ Souza, mhozo ghorkar Kunkolli ganvcho (Gõy).  Tachê kodden logn zalea uprant 1978 vorsa hanvem Amerikent pãy dovorlo.  Neurology hantum ‘medical residency’ korunk to Amerikent ailolo.  Lloyd, Vanessa ani Christine heam   mhojeam tegam apurbayecheam  bhurgeancho sambhall korunk hanv ghorantuch  ravlem.   Amchea nimannea bhurgean jednam KG vorgant provês kelo, tednam mat hanvem  portun fuddlem xikop korunk tharaylem ani  New Orleans-antlea Tulane University Law School-ant provês ghetlo.  1992 vorsa, “Juris Doctor” hi podvi havem melloyli ani magir, 2002 vorsa, Tulane Law School-ant ‘Adjunct Professor’ mhunnon mhoji nemnnuk zali.

Survatek Amerikent tuka koslo onnbhov mell’lo?  Zati-katichea bhedbhavak (racial discrimination)  tuka fuddo korcho poddlo?

Amerikent survatek thaunuch mhaka khub boro onnbhov mell’lo.  New Orleans-achê sonvskrutint, mhozo ghorkar ani hanv bêsborê ritin ekrupi zalim.  New Orleans ek khub borem xar and thõisorlo lôk khup mogall ani moipaxi. Gõycheam xaram bhaxen New Orleans xarant Fransêz ani Ispani lokacho probhav asa.  Hanga ravpi choddant-chôdd lok katolik ani zaiteo adleo igorzô hanga asat.  Ami soglleam kodde rokddich ixttagot keli ani zuim ami ravtanv tea somudayecho êk bhag zalim.  Koslech torechea zati-bhedacho amkam onnbhov yeunk nam.  Êk voiz ani êk vokil (advogad) ami zalolean, soglleo sonvskrutik ximô hupunk amkam sompem zalem.

Somajik seva korunk khõinchean tuka prernna mellta?

Public Interest Lawyer hea natean, hanv eka non-profit law firm-ant vavrunk laglem ani amchea xarantlea  gorjevont lokachem protinidhi zalem.  Zanchê kodden êk vokil kaddunk zainam, tankam hi sonvstha fukott kaido-seva ditalem.  Kuttumbik Kaido ani Ghorguthi Hinvsachar Vibhagachem (family law and domestic violence unit) hanv Managing Attorney zalem.  Xarantlea gorjevont ani gorib lokachem protinidhiponn kortanam, somajik-sevent hanvem bhitor sorpachi goroz mhaka khoreponnim gomun aili.

Ghorguthi hinvsacharacho (domestic violence) mud’do tujea kallzant samko riglolo asa. Kiteak?.

2001 vorsa, Young Christian Women’s Association (YWCA) he sonvsthechem hanv Odheox aslem.  YWCA-n  koxttovtoleam ostoriam pasot ek karyavoll ayojit keloli.  Kuttumbik hinvsachar (domestic violence) vaddot aslo.  Hea oslea hinvsacharak bolli poddloleam ostoriank neay melloun diunchi goroz mhaka gomun aili ani mhojea law firm-ache torfen, “Department of Justice” hantuntlean orthik adar mellunk nivedon kelem.  Southeast Luisiana Legal Services hangasor hanvem mhozo vavr suru kelo.  Kutumbik hinvsachar mhojea kallza lagxil’lo mud’do kiteak tem sangtam.  Niti-ghora bhair zal’li ghôdnni. Neayloyantlem kamkaz sompoun ami bhair sorta thoinch astanam, mhojeam dolleam mukhar mhojea client-ak, ticheach ghorkaran faran marli.  Tea vellar mhaka Devanuch nivarlem oxem hanv khoreponnim man’tam ani heach karonnak lagun oniticheô bolliô poddloleank - ani tancheam bhurgeanchea jivitant - thoddem tori boreponn haddunk vavurtolem mhunn hanvem nichev kelo.”

Tum Gõykarn toxench Katolik dhormantlea probhavantlean vaddlam.  Tuje jinnecher ani tujea vyoktimotvacher (personality)hacho koslo porinnam’ zala tem sangxi? 

Xiolechea katolik iskolant, zõi xikxonnacher ani fuddariponnacher chodd bhôr ditalim, thoim hanvem mhojem xikop kelam.  Gorjevontank adar korpachi khôr itsa, thoim xikoitoleam madrimnim mhojea kallzant rigoyloli.  “ Zankam khup dil’lem asa, tanche koddlean chodd kitem korun gheunchi opekxa asta,” John F. Kennedy-chim him utram.  New Orleans-achea Mha-Dhormprantant hanv vavr korit asam.  Thoimche Firgojeche  Gonvllik-Sobhechi hanv vangddinn.  Tea bhair, Komunhanvachi Osadharonn Munniarinn ani Vachpinn koxem hanv vavurtam.

Amerikechea somazant tum misoll zatanam, ani tuka tannim apnnaytanam, tujea jivitant kosleo  ghôddnnio ghoddleo tem tum amcheam vachpiank sangxi?

Public Interest Law hantuntlean mhojea jivitache vatter mhaka dhadosponn ani sukh mell’lam.  Poile suvater Devak, mhojea ghorkarak ani bhurgeank  hanv dhin’vastam, kiteak somazak bori seva hanvem diunk tinch zalim mhojem boll ani adar.  New Orleans-antlea somazan mhoje sevechi dokhol ghevn mhaka zaite puroskar bhettoyleat.  Halinch  City Business hea khobram- potran, ‘2011 Vorsachi Ostori’ ho mukutt diun mhaka  son’manit kelam. Amerikecho somaz yes ani xreshthtay ollkhun gheta ani haka lagun mhaka aplea somaza modem apnnavpacho prosn uprasunk nam.  Mhojea sukhant bhôr ghalunk mhojim bhurgim-i ap-aplea xetrant porzoll’tat. Mhozo put Lloyd Hollywood-antlo borovpi ani dirgdorxôk (cinema director). Mhoji dhuv, Vanessa (Michael DePetrillo) New Orleans-antlem Patent Attorney mhonn vavurta.  Ani Christine, mhoji dhaktti dhuv, Los Angeles hangasorlea International Sales and Acquisitions at Preferred Contents hantunt Direktor asa.  Aiden Michael DePetrillo ho amcho mogacho natu.

For the original English version see here.

(Chotrai: Hi mulakhôt hea adim15.02.2012 disa Gomantak Times hea potracher Inglezintlean chhapun ailoli)

Initial translation: Walter and Brenda Menezes

Final translation: Fr. Vasco Rego, SJ (Editor, Dor Mhoineachi Rotti)

Dor Mhoineachi Rotti: Otumbr and Novembr, 2012 hea ankancher hi mulakhot don bhagamnim chhapun ailea.

SACRED ART, MODERN PERCEPTIONS

A span of 450 years of colonial experience has provided Goa with numerous cultural interactions from many regions and countries of the world. These cultural interactions, be they in food, music, art etc, have enriched the Goan culture in ways that many of us may not know. Influences from Persia, Africa and Europe inter alia are little known facts. In the architecture of Goan churches, these influences, be they Islamic/Islamicate, Persian and European have fairly been numerous as is suggested by scholarly research, particularly by Dr. Paulo Varela Gomes’ latest book Whitewash, Red Stone: A History of Church Architecture in Goa (2011. New Delhi: Yoda Press). But what if this centuries-old heritage in the form of church buildings and the art they house is not preserved and is withering due to ravages of time, neglect and the elements?

Agnelo Fernandes (C), Nickson (R) and Glen (L)

            The answer to preserve and protect our heritage is obviously to conserve and restore such buildings and art. But since Goa is a small place with too many churches and specimens of art and since every one of us has seen such buildings and art being neglected and destroyed, such a situation merits the asking of a very pertinent question: do we have the skill and the consciousness required to preserve our heritage? A common complain in Goa is konn monis nant or there are no skilled people that are easily available. But I feel such a view results from our own ignorance of the people involved in conservation/restoration of sacred art as well as the failure of such people in building networks that would facilitate the movement of information.

The altar of the Quepem church that needs restoration

            Agnelo Fernandes and his two sons Nickson and Glen are engaged in the conservation and restoration of sacred art heritage. Originally hailing from Borda but now settled in Arlem, Margao Agnelo Fernandes’ tradition of restoration and conservation stretches back to his great-grandfather; making Nickson and Glen the fourth generation heirs to carry forward the family tradition. Agnelo and his sons are fondly known as the Bicos because it was the nickname of Caetano Fernandes, who had started this family tradition. The Bicos are a very passionate lot about their trade. One could go on-and-on listening to them – especially Agnelo Fernandes –about their latest projects and other experiences of the past. When I visited them, the first thing Agnelo Fernandes and his sons did was to bring one specimen after another and explain to me the technique and patience that went in working on each art object.

            We settled down to chat about various issues that I was most interested to learn from them. Agnelo Fernandes, the father is not much of a talker. I got the impression that he prefers to allow his work and art to speak for him. Nickson on the other hand is the most articulate and illustrative. It was from the experience of Agnelo Fernandes and his sons that I wanted to know what are the hurdles and problems that are faced by them. How do the lay people react and respond to their own heritage and why it is important for us to urgently start thinking about creative ways to take the issue of the heritage, and particularly of sacred art, right to the people.

The painting in the sacristy of Quepem Church needing restoration

            The most recent major project that Agnelo Fernandes and his sons have completed is the painting and partial restoration of the Holy Cross Church in Quepem. Earlier, the Bicos had worked in Bombay (St. Andrew’s Church), Cochin (Church of Our Lady of Hope) and in Mangalore (Bethany Convent) amongst others.

            According to Agnelo Fernandes and his sons, the interior decoration of the Quepem church is “unique” and “rare” in Goa. The church need not be destroyed, Nickson says, as it would be a mistake. They are of the unanimous opinion that the beautiful, gold-gilded altar should be conserved and reinforced as it is about to be spoilt.

            “It [conservation and restoration] is a long process and people need to be educated,” Nickson says when asked about why such projects are not taken more freely by the lay parishioners. “Lay people have no knowledge of restoration/conservation and they want something new,” he further adds. ‘New’ in the sense of how lay people desire the end result to be jazzy and kitschy.

            If Agnelo and his sons try to argue otherwise, then the oft-repeated pretentious phrase ‘We are paying’ is directed at them. If such is the behaviour of the lay people, then what about the priests of the churches that they have worked with? “Some of the priests want to put their own tastes in the project,” they say. As a result Agnelo Fernandes and his sons have walked away from many jobs for a reason that can be euphemistically referred to as creative differences!

Another painting which needs attention

            So is there a policy regarding the sacred art of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, I ask. “No, there is no policy,” I am informed. Talking to Agnelo Fernandes and his sons, I got the feeling that much of the problems stem from our ignorance. But Nickson is especially hopeful, for he feels that the heritage scene is showing signs of change. Last October, the Fundação Oriente had organized a workshop which brought together priests, academics and technicians – like the Bicos – on one platform. Nickson is of the opinion that such efforts could lead to an increased awareness in heritage matters.

            Our heritage and how we understand and view it would define us as a community. With a cohesive and practical policy regarding sacred heritage yet to be on a sound footing coupled with the general apathy of the laity, it is high time that we start thinking of sustainable models to preserve our heritage for the future

(A version of this article appeared on Gomantak Times, dt: July 14, 2012).

AN INTERVIEW WITH BERNADETTE D’SOUZA, New Orleans’ First Family Court Judge

“My client was gunned down by her husband in my presence after a court proceeding.  I truly believe that God had spared my life and so I became purpose driven to make a difference in the lives of the victims and their children.”

Bernadette D’Souza, originally hailing from Vhoddlem Bhatt, Quepem, Goa, has created waves in the American as well as the Indian press for being elected for the New Orleans’ first Family Court judgeship in the first week of February. Fondly known as “Busha” to her relatives in Quepem, Bernadette D’Souza won the elections when two of her rivals, Kris Kiefer and Janet Ahern dropped out of the race. In her victory statement D’Souza says, “I thank all the members of our community, who have entrusted me with this historic opportunity to shape the role of this new Family Court in our judicial system, including my worthy opponents, Attorneys Janet Ahern and Kris Kiefer, who have allowed me to begin the important work of this court immediately by withdrawing from this race. I want everyone to know how seriously I take that responsibility. I pledge to make you proud of my service as your first Family Court Judge.”

Recipient of numerous awards and honours, D’Souza is a graduate of the Bombay University and Tulane University Law School in New Orleans.  She moved to the U.S. in 1978 and joins the ranks of Keith Vaz, Bobby Jindal, Sunita Williams etc. who have made it big in the West.  

In a very personal and frank chat Bernadette D’Souza talks about her ambitions, childhood, Bombay and Quepem – her home during her childhood years.

Tell us about your childhood in Quepem, Goa and also about your father Tony Gomes, who was a renowned musician of yesteryears.

I was born in Goa to loving parents Anthony (Tony) and Esmeralda Gomes. I have fond memories of my childhood in Quepem. Every summer holidays in May, we would visit with our grandparents, Joao and Anamaria Gomes. We had a fun time visiting with relatives. My parents often entertained friends and relatives in our home. The feast days were special.  There was so much excitement around the house.  To raise funds for a worthy cause, my father arranged for a New Year’s Eve dance in the Quepem Municipal Garden.  I remember going to see him perform.  It was well-attended and the people of Quepem appreciated his kindness.  It was such a proud moment for me as his daughter. My father never hesitated to give a helping hand to those in need.

My father was a well renowned musician in Bollywood.  My early childhood was spent in Mumbai because of my father’s employment.  He was the primary influence in my life and was my role model.  He would take me to the film recording studios, where I watched him play his guitar.  Many of my leadership traits were taken from the examples of my father.  He was the first Indian musician to introduce the electric guitar in Hindi movies. I remember being introduced to the music directors and other musicians that he worked with, and was in awe of his greatness.  His untimely death left a sudden void in my life and compelled me to carry on his message of striving to achieve my full potential.  His outstanding legacy will always be a part of my life.

As a Catholic girl from Goa, how was it like for you growing up in Bombay? 

We lived in an area that was predominantly Goan Catholics.  I attended a nearby Catholic school in my early years. As the oldest child of 8 children, my father wanted me to have a good education and sent me to a convent boarding school in Siolim, Goa. My father always emphasized on how important an education was and had great expectations of me.  I thrived while there and was the head girl of my class. I came back to Bombay to attend college and graduated from the University of Bombay with a degree in Psychology (with Honors).

With husband Dr. Terence D'Souza

You moved to the U.S. in 1978. Was it primarily because of academic reasons or were there any other reasons?

I came to the United States in 1978, as a young bride having married my husband, Dr. Terence D’Souza of Cuncolim, Goa.  He came to the US to do a medical residency in Neurology.  I chose to stay home and raise our 3 wonderful children, Lloyd, Vanessa and Christine.  When our youngest entered kindergarten, I decided to go back to school and was admitted to Tulane University Law School in New Orleans.  I graduated in 1992 with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. In 2002, I was appointed as an adjunct professor to teach a course at Tulane Law School.

How was your initial experience in the U.S.? Did you encounter racial discrimination?

My initial experience in the U.S. was a lot easier.  Both my husband and I adapted very easily to the culture of New Orleans.  New Orleans is a great city and the people are welcoming and hospitable.  New Orleans is a city very much like the cities in Goa, with Spanish and French influences.  It is predominantly Catholic with lots of old churches.  We quickly made friends and became a part of the community that we live in.  We did not experience any racial discrimination. Our accomplishments as a physician and a lawyer helped break any cultural barriers.

What motivates you in taking up public service?

As a public interest lawyer, I worked at a non-profit law firm and represented the indigent population of our city.  People who could not afford a lawyer obtained free legal services. I was the managing attorney of the family law and domestic violence unit.  Representing the poor of our city gave me an understanding of the need to offer myself for public service.

With Chief Justice Caloger and Louisiana State Bar Association President Guy de Laup after receiving the Career Public Interest Award in 2008

Why is the issue of domestic violence so close to your heart?

In 2000 I was the board president of the Young Christian Women’s Association (YWCA). The YWCA had the premier battered women’s program in the city.  The incidents of domestic violence were growing.  I saw a need for representation of victims of domestic violence and through my law firm applied for funding to the Department of Justice to represent the victims in civil court.  I established the unit at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and began my work. The issue of domestic violence is so close to my heart because of an incident that occurred outside the courthouse.  My client was gunned down by her husband in my presence after a court proceeding.  I truly believe that God had spared my life and so I became purpose driven to make a difference in the lives of the victims and their children. 

Having being brought up as a Catholic Goan girl, to what extent did it influence your personality and outlook on life?

I attended a Catholic boarding school in Siolim, Goa where the emphasis was on education and leadership. The nuns in the boarding school also instilled in me a strong desire to help the needy. “To those whom much is given, much is expected,” is a quote from John F. Kennedy.  I have continued to be involved in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, having served as a pastoral council member in my parish.  I also serve as a lector and Eucharistic minister. 

With her entire family

Can share with our readers some interesting anecdotes or incidents that you experienced in the process of your amalgamation in American society, in the sense of being accepted in America?

My career path in public interest law has been a gratifying and rewarding experience.  I thank God, my wonderful husband and children, who have been my source of strength and grace that has enabled me to continue the work I do for my community. I have been honored by the community in New Orleans having received numerous awards and recognitions, and most recently honored as the 2011 Women of the Year by City Business, a local newspaper.  The American society recognizes success and excellence, and acceptance has not been a problem.  In addition my children have also been finding success in their own careers.  My son Lloyd is a writer director in Hollywood, my daughter Vanessa (Michael DePetrillo) is a Patent Attorney in New Orleans and my daughter Christine is Director of International Sales and Acquisitions at Preferred Content in Los Angeles.  We are proud grandparents of Aidan Michael DePetrillo.

Email: bdsouza54@gmail.com

            Web: www.bernadettedsouza.com

(A version of this interview appeared on Gomantak Times, dt: February 15, 2012)

For the Konknni translation see here.