Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: It is with an immensely heavy heart that Goa mourns the irreparable loss of Julio Cedric Aguiar, who was cruelly snatched away far too early. All those who were privileged enough to know Julio, can vouch for his unwavering devotion and commitment to Goa and her people. He toiled tirelessly day and night in pursuit of protecting and preserving his beloved motherland. After all, Julio lived by the words: ’’Anything for Goa.’’
Today, Goa pays tribute to a true son of the soil who touched so many people’s lives and shone a beacon of light wherever he went. Amche Mollem, Goencho Avaaz Party and Goencho Ekvott have expressed their deep sorrow and pain at the untimely demise of their cherished and valued member and vow to keep Julio’s legacy alive by continuing with the battle to save Goa.
Reminiscing about Julio, Dr. Nandini Velho said: ‘’When I think about someone who fought for our forests of Mollem, Julio’s efforts are just irreplaceable. We never got to say thank you to him as we believed that he would always be there. Words cannot express our gratitude for all that he has done.’’
Commenting on the tragic news, Captain Viriato Fernandes, State Convenor of Goencho Avaaz Party said: ‘’We have lost Julio, a trusted commander who was there fighting a battle to save our beautiful Goa. His selfless efforts in fighting against the destruction of Goa have started bearing fruits. He will not be physically present amongst us, but his spirit will be there to inspire us to take the battle to its logical conclusion. He has died a martyr, sacrificing his life for a better tomorrow for generations to come. Let us carry this battle forward and our eventual victory will be a fitting tribute to the memory of our beloved Julio.’’
‘’Through his selfless dedicated work to save Goa from irreversible damage and as Vice Chairman of Goencho Ekvott, Julio spearheaded the ‘Save Mollem’ movement and played a stellar role behind the scenes in the 74 awareness campaign meetings against coal and double tracking. He played a huge role in the draft CZMP movement. We, his colleagues at Goencho Ekvott, consider his demise to be a personal loss. Unless the medical facilities at government hospitals are given a thorough overhaul by professionals rather than greedy politicians, Goans will sadly continue to experience such tragedies in this brutal pandemic when so many lives could have been saved’’ said Orville Dourado Rodrigues, Founder of Goencho Ekvott.
‘’Julio was a jewel of a person. I knew him only since the past few months during the Mollem campaign. He was a true foot soldier for the environment – ready to do any work, any time. He was such a cheerful and large-hearted personality who never asked for credit. He was an absolute rarity and a gem ‘’ said Norma Alvares from Goa Foundation.
‘’Julio came into many of our lives in an unassuming way, but left a lasting impression. He called out of the blue some months ago and shared his plans to conduct a state wide drawing and writing competition for Goa’s youth. I wish I had half his determination, spirit and courage. Thank you for being unapologetically yourself Julio. May you rest in peace ‘’ said Francesca Cotta.
‘’Julio was truly one in a million and a man of impeccable character and values. He was a gentle soul who was deeply committed to the cause of saving his motherland. There are no words to express what a huge loss this is for Goa. He will be missed tremendously and will continue to remain a source of inspiration to all of us’’ said Kim Pinto.
‘’I can’t digest the fact that Julio is not going to be there in our fight to save Goa. He fought without making noise of words and sound of weapons. The flash mob, the protest rallies, the awareness sessions, the memorandums, the meeting of dignitaries all looked to go smooth when Julio took charge. For him, it was Goa first and everything else was secondary’’ said Fr. Bolmax Pererira.
‘’A deep sense of shock and despair prevails within us at the passing away of Julio Cedric Aguiar. I looked upon him as a leader with a devoted sense of service to the needy people of Goa. Will always remember him as an extraordinary personality with a kind, brave, loving and caring heart and a die-hard crusader of the environment’’ said Carmen Correria.
Alex Carpenter said: ‘’This is immensely tragic. We need more Julio’s in the world. I will miss the serious and direct discussions. There are so few people in this world that fought with integrity and hope and Julio was one of them. This is an absolutely tragedy for Goa.’’
‘’Nothing could stop Julio from doing the best for Goa and our forests. There wasn’t a hill he wouldn’t climb to give us the strength we needed. Julio’s loss has left a gaping hole as he was like family to us. I have learnt so much from him ’’ said Trisha.
‘’On ground you always need someone to watch your back. Julio was doing that too besides superbly leading the youth to save Mollem. He was a pillar of strength and support to everyone. We will continue our work to save and protect Goa following in your footsteps, one action at a time’’ said Tallulah D’silva.
Julio may have left this world, but the innumerable young people that he conscientised, educated and drew into the cause of protecting and preserving Goa lives on, along with his indomitable spirit.
